Manipur, a state in northeastern India, with the city of Imphal as its capital, bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland to the North, Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west, formed on 21st January 1972, is the 23rd state having fascinated art and weaving lovers across the country.
Keep reading if you wish to read more about the traditional dress of manipur, cultural traditions and festivals of Manipur. This guide tells you about the Jewel of India.
Traditional Dress of Manipur For Men
Manipuri’s are setting new trends with their ancient and original attires. The traditional dress of Manipur carries its unique characteristics. The Manipuri dress is woven with hand in horizontal line designs.
1. Dhoti with Jacket
Manipur men wear their traditional costume dhoti with a jacket. The white turban called Pagri(headdress) wears commonly. In winter rich men use a quilted and padded coat.
2. Khamen Chatpa
The superior member of the society wears Khamen Chatpa. This is generally worn on ritual occasions. It is a ritual dhoti.
In the ancient period the kings gifted Khamen Chatpa to the genius, Poets, and well-known people as gifts and awards. In ancient times the kings wear the special Nigthoupee dress, and the warriors wear Zamphie during the wars.
Traditional Dress of Manipur For Women
1. Innaphi and Phanek
Inaphi and Phanek are the traditional dress of manipur for women and all women of manipur wear this traditional dress.
2. Meyek Naibi
The people weave a special Phanek, called Mayek Naibi. The designs on Meyek Naibi are horizontal stripes and attractive to look at. This dress gives an extra appearance to women and glows to the beauty of the women.
3. Khanep Phanek-
Meitei females only stitch a cloth called Kanep Phanek. The Khanep Phanek seems in the design of a skirt and Meitei females stitched it with various designs.
4. Lai-Phi
Lai-Phi is another attractive cloth, which is in white with a yellow border.
5. Chin-Phi
Chin-Phi is another Manipuri traditional costume; the costumes are made with embroidered Phanek.
Bridal Dress of Manipur
Potloi is the traditional bridal dress of Manipur which gives the prospective bride an amazingly striking look.
Although the costumes date back to 1700s, it is still trending in the Manipuri weddings owing to its elegance and uniqueness. The potloi is decorated with applique works using geometric figures and ornamented with sequins, studs, and decorative stones.
Famous Festivals For Manipur
1. Ningol Chakoba
In November on the 2nd day of the New Moon in Hiyangei (Manipuri Month), married women are celebrated by calling them back to their parent’s place along with their children to feast. This festival celebrates the bond between the daughter and their family. The daughters (married women) are treated with immense love and get pampered by the entire family.
2. Champha Festival
Celebrated a week-long by the tribes of Taangul Naga, the Chumpa festival, is one of the most popular festivals to be celebrated in the state of Manipur. This festival is celebrated to show the joy inside at the time of harvesting the crop.
3. Gang Ngai
Gang Ngai is the festival celebrated by the tribes of Kabui Nagas. This festival is celebrated to cherish the customs and traditions of the tribe and to honor the tribe’s ancestors. The festival is celebrated for five consecutive days by singing, dancing, grand feast, and other programs or games among the tribal people.
4. Lui Ngai Ni
It is a way of praying to the gods to be in favor of farming. It is celebrated with fun and enthusiasm by the Naga tribes in three different languages all meaning the same.
5. Kut Festival
Celebrated by the Kuki Chin Mizo tribe of Manipur in November, Kut festival celebrates the ties between humans, peace, and harming among the community. Initially celebrated as a tradition evolved as a festival. The tribal people offer various objects to thank god by singing, dancing, and having a friendly competition between them.
Culture of Manipur
Manipur is a mosaic of ancient traditions and rich cultural patterns. In the field of art and culture, Manipur is best represented by its classical and folk dance forms. Lai Harraoba, a spring festival celebrated during April-May, is symbolized by a traditional and symbolistic dance performed for peace and prosperity.
Read more about the traditional dress of Tripura here.
