All about shawls

Hey, Shawl, Duppatta, or that long piece of cloth worn around the neck by men and women, is not just a drapery, it has its own enigma, its own charm, its own story, which goes like this:

The " thing" worn around, has it origin to places usually colder, and not tropical places, as it is basically used to protect you from chilly weather.However, it has now become a indispensable item in any wardrobe.Why? , Let me classify the usage of the fabric based on gender.

Ladies first:
Though of unquestionable origin, the duppatta, has been hanging around the necks of very an indian lady, and it is the epitome of cultural inheritage,than a fashion statement, often, displaying modesty and virginity.At times, girls dressing up without this appendage was oft treated as vagabonds !! Obviously the outlook of the Indian society is changing at snails pace, though, is appreciable.The duppatta comes in all styles and hues, and trims, and it could be hung in many a ways around the lissome neck, of the lady just a U tie, flinging both the ends on the back, which flutters with every gentle breeze and throws envious glances all around..,or the conservative tie, with the ends still dangling on the back, but the U is deeper in the front , well covering the bosom, from prying eyes, and ogling urchins, and at times, the most casual, with one end on the back and one on the front, but both tied up at the hip level, especially useful while working , or driving, .A more adorable scene is when the lady covers her head too with the fabric, which gives a pristine indian look, and the old times north indian "bahu"s do peep through it, when addressing strangers, at home.
Now for the uses of this fabric: (women could use !! ) For wiping sweat (common to man and women) for wiping hands , for covering when the weather drops down, to shield drizzling, to cover face when shy, and to chew the end when in tension, and lastly to use as a noose around somebody when he comes to attack you !!!
Now coming to Men: Men use this mainly as a protective gear rather than a fashion accessory.The meterial used may be thick, and usually in lighter hues.They mostly use it to blow the nose, wipe out sweat, and ofcourse as a towel, to wipe hands or any other part as men are not (generally!!! )shy. Then comes the use by the politicians,It represents their party, and each party has its own shawls, which is a part of the party uniform.
Not every party member could use it, only the distinguished are supposed to wear it.It depends on the party protocol.
All said and done, shawls do play an important role in our day to day business, and it has its own place in the Indian society, from time immemmorial. The turban is just another modified shawl, and the hip belt worn by karate or kalari enthusiasts are too just highly adapted version of this humble fabric.

Shawls do come in handy in any climatic conditions, and please keep one at arms length, lest it could help you any time time and again
bye
ajay