Humble Lungi Tales

Lungis are wonder attire. It’s free size ensures effortless fit for any build. Often I speculate about the mysterious appendage just a knot , but still intact without any wardrobe malfunctions. Imagine the added advantage of complete free ventilation between the legs…..an extremely eco friendly alternative.

Categorization of lungi is varied - plains, checks, batik, floral, bordered, striped! Fabric is usually cotton but there are silk and synthetic ones available too (hard to keep from slipping?). There are two variations “Open lungi” - a single long flowing garment and the “Closed Lungi” – shorter ends of the open lungi stitched up to form a tube. They are worn in many countries like India, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Pakistan, Malaysia and Burma.

When worn normally it’s from the waist to the ankle, but often with a special kick the lower end is picked and it’s retied again to shorten the length from up to the knee.  The call for length variation is still not clear to me but sometimes this indecent exposure of hairy legs can be a torment for onlookers! The half length lungi clad person with remarkable ease rides a cycle or bike, climbs a tree, plays games and even dances (remember the Nariyal Paani Waala in Agneepath singing “Mei Lungi utha ke tumko disco dikhake”). My father once said that why don’t they sell half lungis as a separate garment? It would atleast save money and cloth!

Lungis can alternatively used as a cover while sleeping, fishing nets in ponds, as towels after swims and to bundle stuff together. During my school days I even witnessed an aunty dry out papads on her husband’s lungi! So its multi utility makes it a money saver option too! Religious distinctiveness can be derived by observing the style of fastening (left to right or vice versa).In Sharjah Lungis are banned as they are considered obscene clothing.

Lungis are the much maligned yet very handy as an outfit. The humble lungi is a fashion statement on the ramp. Men folks give it a thought…..with so many pros wouldn’t the Desi Lungi be a good alternative? J