The traditional attire of Meghalaya is colorful and vibrant, reflecting the unique culture and heritage of the state. Women wear a dress that consists of a long cloth draped over the body, which is held in place by a woven belt. The dress is often adorned with intricate embroidery, beads, and shells, which add to its beauty. Men wear a similar dress made from a different fabric, which is often paired with a turban or a woven headband.
Whatever the dresses you see here, they are quite amazing. The traditional clothes of Meghalaya also include woven shawls, which are worn by both men and women to protect themselves from the cold weather. The fabrics used in these traditional dresses are locally sourced, and the weaving techniques are passed down through generations, making the attire an essential part of Meghalaya’s cultural identity. Anyways, here is a well-designed list of outfits that you can consider introducing to your wardrobe.
10 Best traditional dresses of Meghalaya that have been popular since eternity
1. Khasi Tribe Traditional attire
The Khasi tribe is one of the major tribes in Meghalaya and their traditional attire is a reflection of their unique culture and heritage. The women of the Khasi tribe wear a dress called the Jainsem, which is made from handwoven cotton and has a distinctive design featuring bold stripes of red and black.
The dress is usually paired with a shawl called Tapmohkhlieh, which is made from fine woolen fabric and has intricate embroidery. Men wear a similar dress, which is made from a different fabric and has a simpler design. The traditional attire of the Khasi tribe is not just an aesthetic expression, but also a symbol of their identity and pride in their heritage.
2. Garo Tribe Traditional Dresses
The Garo tribe is another major tribe in Meghalaya, and their traditional attire is unique and colorful. Women wear a dress called the Dakmanda, which is made from handwoven cotton and has intricate embroidery and beadwork. The dress is usually paired with a shawl called Chading, which is also adorned with embroidery and beadwork. Men wear a similar dress, which is made from a different fabric and has a simpler design.
Men’s dress is often accompanied by a headgear called Agal, which is made from bamboo and adorned with colorful feathers. The traditional attire of the Garo tribe is not just a reflection of their culture, but also a symbol of their identity and pride in their heritage. The intricate designs and colorful adornments of the dresses reflect the creativity and artistry of the Garo people.
3. Jaintia tribe
The Jaintia tribe is one of the three major tribes in Meghalaya. Their traditional attire is a beautiful reflection of their rich culture. The women wear a dress called the Dhara, which is made from handwoven cotton and has a unique design featuring colorful stripes and embroidery. The dress is often paired with a shawl called Ryndia, which is made from fine silk fabric and has intricate patterns.
Men wear a similar dress, which is made from a different fabric and has a simpler design. The men’s dress is often paired with a turban or a woven headband. The traditional attire of the Jaintia tribe is not just a means of expression, but also a symbol of their identity and pride in their heritage. It is an integral part of their cultural identity and heritage.
4. Jainkup
Jainkup is a traditional headgear worn by men of the Khasi tribe. It was their special representation but now Jainkup has become a very popular gear. It is made from bamboo and is adorned with colorful feathers, shells, and beads. The headgear is an important part of the Khasi culture and is worn during festivals, ceremonies, and special occasions. The design of the Jainkup varies according to the status and age of the wearer.
The headgear is worn with traditional attire, including the Jainsem, which is a dress worn by women, and a similar dress worn by men. The Jainkup is not just an aesthetic accessory, but also a symbol of the Khasi tribe’s identity and pride in their heritage.
5. Dak Manda
Dak Manda is a traditional dress worn by women of the Garo tribe. It is made from handwoven cotton and features intricate embroidery and beadwork. The dress is colorful and has a unique design that reflects the creativity and artistry of the Garo people.
The dress is usually paired with a shawl called Chading, which is also adorned with embroidery and beadwork. The Dak Manda is not just a means of expression, but also a symbol of the Garo tribe’s identity and pride in their heritage. It is worn during festivals, ceremonies, and special occasions, and is an integral part of the Garo culture and tradition.
6. Mekhla
Mekhla is worn by women and it consists of a long piece of cloth. Typically five to nine yards in length which is draped around the body in a specific style. The Mekhla is popular in the northeastern part of India, particularly in the states of Assam and Manipur. It is made of various fabrics such as cotton, silk, and Muga silk. The Mekhla comes in different styles and designs, ranging from plain to heavily embroidered. It is often worn for special occasions like weddings, festivals, and cultural events. The Mekhla is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India.
7. Jainsen
Jainsen is a traditional attire worn by the Khasi men in Meghalaya. It consists of a long white or cream-colored sleeveless coat-like garment. This sleeveless coat is typically knee-length and is worn over a full-sleeved shirt. The Jainsen is often paired with Dakmanda, which are knee-length trousers. The attire is known for its simplicity and comfort, which makes it suitable for the Khasi people’s daily life and agricultural work. The Jainsen reflects the cultural heritage and traditions of the Khasi community, and it has been passed down through generations. It’s a symbol of identity and pride, demonstrating the unique sartorial customs of Meghalaya.
8. Dkhar
Dkhar, a traditional attire in Meghalaya, primarily worn by Khasi women, is a beautiful and culturally significant ensemble. It consists of a finely woven white or cream-colored cloth, which is draped elegantly around the body, resembling a wrap-around skirt. The Dkhar is typically pleated at the waist and secured with a belt, creating a graceful silhouette. It’s often paired with a full-sleeved blouse or shirt and sometimes adorned with intricate embroidery or handwoven patterns. This traditional attire symbolizes the rich cultural heritage and simplicity of the Khasi community in Meghalaya. The Dkhar serves as both everyday wear and is a favored choice for special occasions, reflecting the cultural pride and sartorial elegance of the region.
9. Jainsem
Jainsem, the quintessential traditional attire of Meghalaya, is predominantly worn by Khasi women, exemplifying the cultural richness of the region. This two-piece ensemble comprises a graceful, full-length dress and a matching unstitched piece of cloth known as the Dupatta. The Jainsem is characterized by its elegant, straight-cut design, and it often features handwoven or embroidered patterns, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The Dupatta is draped over the shoulders or head, signifying modesty and cultural reverence. This traditional attire not only showcases the artistic craftsmanship of Meghalaya but also reflects the cultural heritage, values, and identity of the Khasi community. It is a symbol of pride and a preferred choice for various occasions and celebrations in the state.
10. Poho
Poho, a traditional attire of the Garo community in Meghalaya, is a symbol of their rich cultural heritage. It consists of a cylindrical piece of cloth, typically black or deep blue, draped around the waist and secured with a woven belt. The Poho is complemented by a shorter piece of cloth worn as a blouse. This traditional outfit reflects the simplicity and functionality of the Garo lifestyle, making it well-suited for their daily activities, particularly agriculture and manual labor. The Poho is not just clothing but a reflection of the Garo identity and their deep connection with nature. It highlights the enduring traditions and cultural pride of the Garo community in Meghalaya.
Conclusion
Be it the Meghalaya traditional food, festival, clothes, or people; each of those things is quite amazing. The traditional dresses of Meghalaya are a testament to the rich culture and heritage of the state. The vibrant colors and intricate embroidery of the dresses reflect the creativity and artistry of the people of Meghalaya. The use of locally sourced fabrics and traditional weaving techniques adds to the uniqueness of the attire.
The clothes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, as they provide warmth and protection from the cold weather. People of Meghalaya have been passing down these dresses through generations. That’s to keep it an integral part of the state’s cultural identity. Wearing these dresses is a way of honoring the past and celebrating the present.
See Also: Traditional dresses of Haryana | Traditional dresses of Manipur
Traditional dresses of Bihar | Traditional dresses of Karnataka
Traditional dresses of Kerala | Traditional dresses of West Bengal
Traditional dresses of Mizoram | Traditional dresses of Uttarakhand
