By Hemant SharmaBy this point, a lot of people know that Manipure is literally one of the most scenic states in the country like, if you’re after those amazing/stunning views, then this is the most underrated state in the country, which not a lot of people visit for this specific reason. And if you decide to go on a trip to this state, well, there is one thing that’ll hit you pretty hard too with feelings and emotions, and that is their amazing culture. Most importantly, you’ll be able to feel it with your eyes, mainly when you see all the people wearing traditional dresses, whether men, women or children. So, let’s talk about just that, you know, the traditional dress of Manipur for male and female. Here we go.
Traditional Dress for Women Manipur
1. Phanek
This is something which Manipuri women carry really nicely like a very neat skirt, hence also called Phanek. It wraps around the waist, going down to the ankles. Something like a sarong, you know? And it’s made of cotton or silk, having stuff like stripes or solid colors, pretty simple. No fancy stuff like flowers or prints, for sure. Women wear it daily and for stuff like special events, too.
2. Inaphi
Inaphi’s pretty much like a shawl, really stylish, too. Women wear it draped along with a blouse on the upper body. Very soft, kind of clear and light. But traditionally, Inaphi is made of cotton, while the newer variations opt for silk and bright colors. And now, the very high-end kind is called Rani Phi, and it is picking up in popularity down there in Manipur.
3. Mayek Naibi
Mayek Naibi is an exceptional form of Phanek, really; it is usually adorned by women for marriages or festivals. The embroidery is stunning, as well as the use of glittering materials at the border. It sounds pretty formal, traditional, and rich, for sure.
3. Lai Phi & Chin Phi
This is Lai Phi that looks really fantastic with a white pallu crammed in a mottled yellow outline. All the women use it on such stuff as festivals or celebrations. Chin Phi is a pretty good blouse worn along with a Phanek and has very detailed embroidery, which looks lively and decorative. When both are worn together, that is, Lai Phi and Chin Phi, the attire looks totally rich and festive, you know.
4. Potloi (The Bridal & Dance Attire)
This extremely traditional dress is highly regarded by Manipuri brides and classical dancers alike. It consists of a big bell-shaped skirt with a body covered in glittery beads and sequins that just levels up the brightness and brilliance, with colors that are found nowhere else. It comes paired with an Inaphi and a sari blouse. Another super-famous dance is also performed in this costume: the Ras Lila dance. Potloi has been in existence within the Manipuri culture since the 1700s; that’s really something.
5. Khanep Phanek, Kumjin & Bishnupriya Variants
Khanep Phanek is an extremely colorful and decorative skirt worn by women during weddings and festivals. Kumjin is pretty basic: just a blouse to wear with a Phanek and Inaphi. It feels very nice and complements the traditional look just fine. Bishnupriya Manipuri women wear stuff like a skirt called Rigum, a shawl called Risa, and one really nice blouse. Their dress looks kinda different from the Meitei, but it’s still highly traditional and equally very classy, you know.
Traditional Dress for Men Manipur
1. Dhoti or Pheijom
In the state of Manipur, men can be seen wearing a dhoti, which is also called a Pheijom! Those are long clothes that one ties around the waist and down to the legs. Mainly in white or cream color, the traditional wear generally serves for festivals, weddings, and religious activities.
2. Kurta or shirt
A man woos his well-deserved appreciation with a kurta or a nice shirt with a dhoti complete. The combination is, of course, very simple and comfortable. For sure, men wear these for daily wear and events. That definitely concludes the traditional feeling.
3. Pagri
Their stuff is purely and proudly this neat turban. Men put them on top of their head mainly for any time, like weddings or religious functions.
4. Khamen Chapta
Khamen Chapta is an exceptionally special kind of dhoti, you know. It was meant only for kings or people who were highly respected around those days. This dhoti is made of silk in a combination of very beautiful colors: red, purple, brown, and white.
5. Bishnupriya Men’s Clothing
Bishnupriya men are also into dhotis, kurtas, and pugris. Their attire is quite simple but holds a lot of cultural value. You see, it shows their traditions and pride with absolute conviction.