Whenever we think about any state of the northeastern region of India, there are a lot of things that rush in our heads. From diversity in landscapes, attractions, and language, to the amazing traditional items and cultures. There are a lot of fascinating things about this state of India. A lot of people get amused with the diversity of Mizoram be it in any form. When it comes to the traditional dresses of Mizoram, you have to consider the fact that there are multiple tribes who reside in the state.
Although there are a few popular dresses that you will see in Mizoram, there still are many that are elegant but less known to the world. Maybe that’s because they are worn and adopted by less popular communities. Whatever be the case, let’s dive into the list of elegant Mizo traditional dresses. And some of them might look similar to the traditional dresses of Nagaland or Tripura.
List of traditional dresses that people in Mizoram prefer wearing
1. Puan
One of the most important, relevant, and popular dresses of Mizoram is Puan. This traditional attire is for Mizo women and can be seen on a lot of people during a cultural event or any traditional event. Puan is an attire that looks vivacious or flawless in its ways. How to wear Mizoram dresses is one of the most concerning things because people here are very particular about their attire. And when it comes to Puan, things become even more particular.
This attire is very beautifully made with intricate design and a great fit. It is usually made in the shades of white and black- and worn by Mizo women in many events.
2. Puanchei
There is some Mizo traditional attire that is worn during normal days and then there is attire that are worn in festivals and traditional events. Puanchei is one such attire that is worn during festivals by ladies here in the state. This is one of the most colorful attire you will ever get to see in any state or even country. This is a full gown-type dress that has colorful patterns on the entire bottom wear and to wear. Many times you get to see a black solid kurta-like dress for the torso and the skirt remains colorful.
This attire can be seen during Mizo festivals and is one of the main ingredients in the festivals. A lot of people also believe that there are different Puanchei for different aged girls and that has its significance. But we can’t say that this is true because there is still no evidence that can support this argument.
3. Kawrechi
Okay so there is another dress that is worn by Mizo girls and women usually during multiple events. Now, this is not a complete attire but an element of the attire. It is a colorful blouse that is worn by the ladies, yet again during special events. This is a handmade blouse which is usually made of cotton and Mizo’s wear it during the dance performance or at any festivals.
This attire is now made in a lot of different materials but it was initially made out of cotton fabric. The blouse looks fantastic and has a lot of varieties in design, style, and color combination.
4. Mizo Tribe attire
Mizoram also consists of a lot of different tribes with most of them having versatile attire lists and other things (tradition and culture). One such attire of the Mizo Tribe which was once the rulers in the state is Zakuolaisen. This is another Mizo traditional attire that is worn (or you can say allowed) for the unmarried girls of this tribe. It is a good-looking attire that constitutes a blouse which is majorly of crimson color and has attractive stripes to make it even better.
You will surely see many young women wearing this element of attire during a common meet, fair, festival or any celebration. The tribe people also mark this as an identification mark of unmarried ladies.
5. Lusei Tribe dresses
Then there is another tribe whose dressing sense is a bit different from usual but it is really fascinating and that’s the Lusei tribe. Although there are multiple dresses that you will see these people wearing, still one of the best of them is the blue skirt stitched with different fabrics. When it came into the limelight- a lot of people around the country loved the style and the way it is worn. The skirt is usually blue and is worn with a white jacket. To top the look, a white-colored or contrast cloth is wrapped around the body.
6. Accessories
Be it the headgear, neckpiece, earrings, ear studs, or any other accessory that Mizoram people have is quite diverse and unique in its own ways. About 90% of the population in Mizoram still have the tendency and wish to wear accessories of their tribal origins. It is also said that the highest concentration of tribal people in the entire country is in the seven sisters. And if you were to specify the state in the seven sisters it would be Mizoram. People here have a lot of diverse and interesting accessories to wear such as ones, animal skulls for the headgear, animal and bird’s claws for the neck pieces, and even teeth.
7. Pawl Kut dresses
Pawl Kut is a must-mention on this list and is an important and traditional dress of Mizoram. This dress is named after the festival of the state that goes by the same name. And this dress gets the name because it is worn at the festival. And if you want to have a look at how it looks, you must visit here during that time. Majorly this is an entirely black dress where you get a top that covers the upper part of your body and then there is a gown or skirt-like dress to cover the lower part. The dress also has embroideries made of red color. Although you can see a lot of varieties too.
8. Chapchar Kut attire
Here is another attire of Mizoram that’s connected to the festival named Chapchar Kut. In this, the women and men wear a gown-like attire which has a solid color of white. And then you will get to see sticks with feathers that act as their head gears. Their gown also has red and black work that makes it very pretty.
9. Kawrchei
Kawrchei is a distinctive traditional attire of the Mizoram tribe, specifically worn by the Mizo women. This traditional dress consists of a beautifully handwoven cloth, primarily comprising a wrap-around skirt and a matching upper garment. The Kawrchei is known for its vivid colors, intricate patterns, and skilled craftsmanship. It is a testament to the cultural richness of Mizoram and the craftsmanship of its people. The women wear Kawrchei during various festive occasions, celebrations, and important ceremonies, where the vibrant attire not only adds a touch of elegance but also symbolizes their cultural pride and heritage. The ensemble is a true representation of Mizoram’s cultural identity.
10. Ngotekherh
‘Ngotekherh’ is a variation of the ‘Puan,’ traditionally tied around the waist. Originally, it was exclusively worn by men in Mizoram, but today, it has transcended gender boundaries and is embraced by both men and women. Meanwhile, ‘Hmaram’ is a handwoven cotton fabric, primarily dyed in indigo. This versatile cloth is now unisex in its appeal, making it suitable attire for both men and women in Mizoram.
11. Hmaram
Hmaram is a traditional shawl or wrap worn by the Mizo women of Mizoram. This exquisite garment is known for its intricate handwoven patterns, vibrant colors, and cultural significance. The Hmaram is an essential part of a Mizo woman’s attire, draped elegantly over the shoulder, and is often used to carry children or bundles of firewood. Each Hmaram is a work of art, reflecting the weaver’s skill and the cultural heritage of Mizoram. The designs on the Hmaram hold stories and symbolism, making it not just a piece of clothing but also a representation of the Mizo culture, traditions, and identity.
Conclusion
Mizoram is a highly diverse state of India offering a lot of wonderful sites, landscapes, and attire. Over the years, it has now turned into a great place for people of every kind. Mizo had a huge impact on clothing diversity as the tribes came to the limelight giving away their cultures and beliefs. And now, travelers from not just India but around the globe love and wish to explore the cities, towns, and villages of Mizoram. So as to explore everything they have in their vicinity.
Traditional dresses of Assam | Traditional dresses of Rajasthan
Traditional dresses of Karnataka | Traditional dresses of Tamil Nadu
Traditional dresses of Punjab | Traditional dresses of Sikkim
Traditional dresses of Manipur | Traditional dresses of Odisha
Traditional dresses of Uttarakhand | Traditional dresses of Maharashtra
Traditional Dresses of Andhra Pradesh | Traditional Dresses of Goa
Traditional dresses of Nagaland | Traditional dresses of Himachal Pradesh
Traditional dresses of West Bengal | Traditional dresses of Haryana
Traditional dresses of Bihar | Traditional dresses of Kerala
