We already know that Assam is a very rich and beautiful place to visit. It has amazing and attractive destinations, luring attractions, beautiful landscapes, and diversity in activities and other things like food. Apart from all these that we have already mentioned there is one more thing that has drawn the attention of many visitors. And that doesn’t stop here because it is still getting the attention of the visitors. Yes, we are talking about the traditional dresses of Assam.
India being a diverse country has multiple states and the states flaunt their culture, cuisine as well as traditional dresses. Be it an occasion like a marriage or a festival you would get to see people or locals wearing some elegant traditional dresses. So we bring to you a list of such costumes that look simply phenomenal and beautiful.
Traditional Dresses of Assam that will make you look charming without trying too hard
1. Gamosa and Dhoti
If you are not aware about this yet, Dhoti and Gamosa go hand in hand and are known to be the native dresses of Assam worn by men. Where Dhoti is used to cover the bottom part of the body, Gamosa is for the upper part. Dhoti is a well-known attire worn by many communities in North-East India as well as other parts of the country.
Wearing and carrying a Dhoti is a bit tricky and when you wear it the way Assamese do, you will understand the problem. Now coming onto Gamosa, it is a rectangular cloth that is significant and important for Assamese as it is a representation of their culture. This cloth somewhat resembles the Jubba worn by men in Kerala.
2. Tongali
Coming on to the next cloth that is worn by the Assamese is Tongali. You might have already heard about this cloth because it is a form of Gamosa. But it isn’t a Gamosa. Actually, people who wear Gamosa take the cloth in two ways. Either they wear it as it is, or create a waistcoat of it which is known as Tongali. Nowadays, people have started enjoying the use of this attire and they have created a number of options in terms of style, material, and segment.
All of it is what people love to wear and they enjoy Tongali a lot. Not just on common days but even during celebrations. It is one of the attire that people are often seen wearing during festivals like Bihu. Especially the dancers.
3. Aronai
Aronai is a traditional cloth that initially was worn by saints and the same thing has been passed on to the people of Assam. It is said that Aronai is deeply rooted in their culture right from the very beginning. This cloth is popular in the Bodo tribe and has been a significant thing for them. As we have already mentioned, it is even today a cloth of pride and honour. It is facilitated to people who are honoured in society.
And a lot of people have started using it as a muffler and they wear it around their neck during the winter season. So, if you want to buy something adorable and traditional that can be worn even in other cities, then this might be a good buy.
4. Mekhela Chador
Mekhela Chador as the name suggests is a saree-like Assamese dress that is worn by women. It comes under their traditional dress options because it is popular and worn by the Bodo tribe of Assam since twilight. All the women can wear it except for the children. This attire is a 2-piece cloth in which one of them is wrapped around the bottom portion of the body and then tucked in the waist after making front plates. The locals call this piece of cloth as Mekhela.
Now, coming onto the next thing which is the upper part of this dress. It is known as Chador and is worn on the torso. It is draped around the body covering all the parts and then tucked in Mekhela. Wearing this dress is not easy and carrying it properly is important and difficult. That is the reason why children refrain from wearing the attire.
5. Sgaopha and Phagri
This is a dress that you will see people of Dimasa Tribe wearing. Sgaopha and Phagri, both of these form an attire and they are very important to the tribe. It is not only a differentiating factor but also a symbol of pride. This is the attire that is deeply rooted to their past and gives them an identity.
You will usually see Sgaopha that people wear is generally of green or yellow color but over time many other colors have come up in the market, giving them a choice in options. You can see the same attire in red color and worn by grooms.
6. Rigdo
Just like the Bodo Tribe of Assam, Dimasa Tribe has a lovely and beautiful muffler named Rigdo. It is one of the finest things that you can buy for your home. It looks extremely gorgeous and you can pair it with any attire you wear. So, now you have another option that can be bought on your trip to Assam.
7. Risha and Gainthao
Yet again, Risha or Gainthao is an attire of the Dimasa Tribe which is “their form” of the dhoti. You will see a lot of people; especially older aged people of the tribe wearing this. Risha and Gainthao both are dhotis with a minute difference. One of the biggest differentiating factors among them is their size. In both of these, Risha is a dhoti that reaches only the knee; whereas Gainthao goes all the way to your ankle. It is a full-length dhoti like you see in many other parts of the country. These two are popular and prominent traditional dresses of Assam.
8. Rigu
Rigu is a standard cloth that is worn by ladies of the Assam tribes and it is a traditional cloth for a lot of them. This piece of cloth is worn by them waist down and it is quite a long cloth. Although there are a lot of varieties that can be seen in today’s world. But if you look at the traditional dress of Assam; Rigu is an ankle-length cloth. When it comes to the design and fabric; initially silk was used to make it. But now there are different-different things that have come into the market. So you can choose according to your wish.
9. Riha
Riha, a traditional attire from Assam, is an integral part of Assamese culture and showcases the artistic finesse of the region. It is an intricately designed piece of cloth worn as an upper garment, often draped over the shoulders or worn as a shawl. The Riha is known for its vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and elaborate motifs. It is typically made of silk and cotton, reflecting the richness of Assamese textiles. The designs vary based on the occasion, with bright hues for celebrations and subtle tones for everyday wear. Riha complements the Mekhela Chador, the traditional Assamese attire for women. It represents the cultural heritage and identity of Assam, adding a touch of elegance and tradition to any outfit.
10. Sualkuchi Saree
The Sualkuchi Saree, renowned as the “Manchester of the East,” is a celebrated traditional silk saree from Sualkuchi, a village in Assam. Recognized for its finesse and exquisite craftsmanship, this saree is intricately woven and stands as a symbol of Assamese culture. Typically woven from Muga silk, Pat silk, or Eri silk, it embodies elegance and showcases vibrant colors, intricate designs, and unique patterns. The border and pallu often boast elaborate motifs like flora, fauna, and traditional Assamese symbols. The Sualkuchi Saree holds great cultural significance and is a popular choice for weddings, festivals, and special occasions. Its grace and artistry not only highlight the heritage of Assam but also contribute to the state’s rich textile heritage.
11. Gamucha
Gamucha, a traditional cloth from Assam, holds cultural importance and versatility. It is a simple, handwoven towel made of soft cotton, featuring checkered or striped patterns and vibrant hues. Primarily used as a towel, it’s more than just a piece of fabric; the Gamucha symbolizes respect, honor, and hospitality. It is often gifted during traditional ceremonies or cultural events as a token of goodwill. The absorbent and breathable fabric makes it an ideal choice for the hot and humid climate of Assam. Beyond a towel, it transforms into a head covering, a waistcloth, or even a decorative accessory, embodying the simplicity and utility deeply rooted in Assamese culture.
12. Japi
The Japi is a traditional conical hat from Assam, synonymous with the state’s identity and heritage. Handcrafted with great skill and precision, it is made from bamboo and palm leaves. The hat’s unique design features intricate, woven patterns and vibrant hues, often symbolic of Assamese culture and folklore. The Japi serves various purposes, providing protection from the sun and rain to farmers, weavers, and fishermen. It also plays a role in cultural events and traditional dances, adding a traditional touch to the attire. The Japi embodies the craftsmanship and artistic essence of Assam, reflecting the deep-rooted connection of the Assamese people with nature and their rich cultural tapestry.
Conclusion
Now, these Assamese traditional dresses might have injected a sense of curiosity inside your body. Isn’t it? We believe you are going to enjoy your time exploring these and some more of the tribal attire. Assam is a very beautiful place and the people here are very kind-hearted. With the blog that we have written above you would have now understood that their culture and tradition is deeply rooted and people of the tribes still feel connected to their roots.
So, now you can try any of these because it is interesting to know and understand new things about a particular place.
See Also: Traditional dresses of India | Traditional dresses of Kerala
Traditional dresses of Rajasthan | Traditional dresses of Tamil Nadu
Traditional dresses of Sikkim | Traditional dresses of Manipur
Traditional dresses of Mizoram | Traditional Dresses of Nagaland
Traditional dresses of Karnataka | Traditional dresses of West Bengal
Traditional dresses of Uttarakhand | Traditional dresses of Bihar
