Traditional Attire – Asia – India (Part 1 – Eastern India)

India is a country renowned for diverse cultures, cuisines, attires, languages, religions, architecture, arts, sports and many more.

The country of India is divided into 29 states. Each state has its unique attire which symbolizes the cultural etiquette of that region. There are varied dresses of both men and women stitched and embroidered with vivid textures and diverse motifs.

The article will cover Part 1 of Traditional attires of Eastern India covering the States of West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand.

The State of West Bengal

West Bengal is prominent for its rich cultural heritage, religious festivities, and literary works. The traditional attire of men is dhoti or Panjabi and kurta. The traditional attire of women is saree, coloured white or creamish with red borders. Cotton is the primary material used for the dresses.

The State of Odisha

Odisha is popular for its tribal culture and the ancient Hindu temples. The traditional attire of men is dhoti, kurta and a headscarf known as gamucha. The traditional attire of women is saree, famous ones being Katak and Sambalpuri.

The State of Assam

Assam dominates the country in terms of its vibrant wildlife, the green plantations of tea and acclaimed archaeological sites. The traditional attire of men is dhoti, kurta, and handwoven headscarves, known as gamusa in colloquial language. The traditional attire of women is mekhala chadar. It is a two-piece outfit usually made of silk variants paat or muga or eri and even cotton.

The State of Tripura

Tripura hosts a wide variety of tribal cultures and religious groups. The traditional attire of men is Rikutu worn as the lower part and a shirt called “Kamchwlwi Borok” in colloquial language as the upper part. They also wear a headscarf known as Kubai. The traditional attire of women is Risa and Rikutu for the upper part and Rigwnai for the lower part.

The State of Manipur

Manipur is well known for its rich cultural heritage. The traditional attire of men is dhoti and jacket or Bundi along with a headgear called turban or pagri. The traditional attire of women is a woven shawl or veil for the upper part and a skirt called sarong for the lower part.

The State of Meghalaya

Meghalaya is adorned with lush greenery and a scintillating landscape with mountains and waterfalls. The traditional attire of men is multiple. The Khasi tribal men wear Jymphong which consists of an unstitched piece of cloth for wearing around the lower part and a long sleeveless coat without a collar as the upper part, fastened by thongs. The Garo tribal men wear a cloth wrapped around their hips as the lower part of their outfit. The traditional attire of women is also many. The Khasi tribal women wear blouses along with an unstitched garment for the lower part called Jainsen or Dhara. The Garo tribal women wear blouses along with an unstitched cloth known as Ganna for the upper part. They wear the Ganna in two unique patterns called Dakmanda and Daksari. The Jaintia tribal women wear blouses with a cloth called “Thoh Khyrwang” for the lower part.

The State of Nagaland

Nagaland is a state dominated by different tribal groups and enriched with tribal culture. The costume of Nagaland is known as Nagami. The men’s outfit consists of a blue coloured kilt and a wrapper along with a traditional shawl called Ratapfe with shades of red. The women’s outfit consists of a sleeveless top called Vatchi for the upper part and Neikhro and a white skirt called Pfemhou for the lower part.

The State of Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is a spectacular place adorned with picturesque landscapes flanked by mountains, lakes, rivers, and passes. The traditional attire of men comprises of a sleeveless silk shirt and a lower bottom called lungis with red, yellow and white stripes. The traditional attire of women comprises of a sleeveless chemise and a full sleeves weaved coat like jacket along with a waistcloth called Mushaik.

The State of Jharkhand

Jharkhand is famous for its wildlife, waterfalls and the artistic Jain temples. Non-Tribal men wear kurtas, shirts, pyajamas, and salwars. The tribal men wear a one-piece dress called Bhagwan. The non-tribal women wear sarees, made with Tussar silk. The tribal women wear Parthan as the upper part and Panchi as the lower part of their outfit.

The State of Mizoram

Mizoram boasts of its splendid flourishing greenery in the hills. The traditional outfits of men and women are gorgeous and elegant with unique motifs and patterns. The men wear a cloth covering their body coupled with a white coloured red-banded coat. The women wear a black and white shaded attire known as Puan along with a blouse called Kawrechi.

The State of Sikkim

Sikkim is the home of majestic mountains and passes with glaciers, meadows, meandering rivers and hosts several monasteries. The traditional attire of men is Bakhu or Kho along with loosely fitted trousers, a leather belt, and leather boots. The traditional attire of women is also Kho which is worn inside a full-sleeved silk blouse called honju fastened with silk or cotton. There are other traditional dresses of Sikkimese women like the Dumvum and Nyamrek.