By Hemant SharmaArunachal Pradesh often called “The land of Rising Sun” is one of the most culturally rich and scenic states of India. With its lush green hills, tribal traditions, and peaceful life style the state stands out for its vibrant and unique clothing styles. The people of Arunachal Pradesh wear traditional clothes that are colourful, practical and deeply tie with their culture. What makes it more interesting is that different tribes have their unique style of dressing. So now let’s check Traditional Dress of Arunachal Pradesh and Costumes for Men & Women.
Traditional Dress for Men in Arunachal Pradesh
This beautiful state is home to many tribes like the Monpa, Adi, Apatani and Nyishi. Though their dressings styles are little different, most wear colourful hand-woven clothes that show their culture.
1. The Gale (Head gear)
The gale is a traditional head gear worn by Arunachali men. It is made from bamboo, cane or cloth and it is not just a protection rather it shows the man’s tribal identity. The design, feathers and patterns on the Gale make it special and meaningful.
2. The Tingmai (Upper Garment)
The Tingmai is a sleeveless jacket worn as the upper garment. It can be made from handwoven cloth or sometimes even animal skin. The jacket is decorated with beads, shells, and tribal symbols that show the connection to nature and the tribe’s tradition.
3. Bakhu
The Baku also known as Galey in some regions is a wraparound skirt like cloth worn below the waist. It is made from cotton or wool and tied with a belt. It is very comfortable to wear while walking in hilly areas. It is also a way to express tribal art and personal taste through its designs.
Traditional Dress for Women in Arunachal Pradesh
Women in Arunachal Pradesh dress in beautiful layers of colours, handwoven clothes. Each tribe has its own pattern and style, but they all reflect nature, tradition, and pride in their identity.
1. The Yameng
It is the lower wrap worn like a skirt. It is usually tied around the waist and covers the legs till the ankle. Woven with bright colours and tribal designs, the Yameng is one of the most eye catching parts of their dress.
2. The Pati
On the upper body women wear the Pati, a blouse that fits comfortably and often comes in matching or contrasting colors to the Yameng. It is simple, yet elegant and completely the outfits nicely.
3. The Kong
Over the blouse and wrap, women drap the kong, a shawl thatadds both style and warmth. It is usually decorated with intricate tribal motifs and sometimes even small beads or shells. Women wear it during festivals, ceremonies, or even in daily life, mainly in cooler regions.
These cloths are usually made at home or by local weavers using old age techniques.
The Ornaments and Accessories
Women in Arunachal Pradesh love to wear ornaments made from silver, beads and bamboo. These include earrings, necklaces and bangles. During festivals and weddings they wear heavier jewelry to match their colourful clothes. Hair is usually tied with a neat bun and sometimes decorated with flowers.
Clothing in Arunachal Pradesh are not just for fashions, they are a part of daily life, tradition and pride. Each stitch and colour has its own meaning. Many of the designs are inspired by nature, animals and daily Life. Most families still weave their clothes at home using techniques passed from generations to generations. Even though modern dress like jeans and T shirts is becoming more common mainly among young generations, traditional dresses are still worn with pride during rituals and festivals.