Costumes of Manipur

Costumes of Manipur

Manipuri costumes reflect the vibrant and unique culture of Manipur. The customary Manipuri costumes are known for their simple yet easy fittings. Their uses are flexible in accordance with the occasion. The traditional attire of women in Manipur is Phanek, a shawl known as Innaphi and a wrapping skirt called Sarong. Moreover the men folk of the state wear jacket and dhoti and a white pagri i.e. turban.

However the change of time along with the spreading of Christianity, western education has also changed the dressing sense of the people of Manipur. They have become more fashion conscious. Jeans and jacket have struck with the chord of Manipuri youth. Though they still like to wear traditional costumes and have blended the old style with the modern sensibility. Like the Innaphis donned by the women of Manipur resembles modern drape around skirts. Instead of using thick texture to make an Innaphis, people of Manipur make it with the materials like silk and cotton.

Manipuri like to wear different costume for different festivals. In fact separate costumes are made for separate festivities there. Like the Kumins and Potlois are traditionally worn for the festival of Rasa Leela. Phurits and Koks are yet other costumes worn during the festivals and other auspicious occasions. The Ningthoupee, Saijounba, and Phiranji, Lmaphie tribes use some other style of dressing.