Meghalaya is one of those most beautiful states located on the coast of northeastern India. According to the name, Meghalaya means “the home of the clouds.” There are many legends that say that there existed 16 families. Of them, 9 were from heaven and seven came from earth. Since since then, Meghalaya has been home to tribes such as Jaintia, Khasi, and Garo.
One of the oldest and most important ways to earn money that is found in Meghalaya is the art of weaving. It is said the Garo tribe has been atop the list of their talented and skilled weaver. Each of these tribes has an unique way of life in their traditional clothes. It’s been observed that even in the present, people living in Meghalaya keep their traditional ways. This article we’ll examine the traditional attire of Meghalaya for both women and men.
Traditional dress in Meghalaya Men
The traditional attire that is worn by Meghalaya Men varies from clan to clan. The outfits for those belonging to the Jaintia tribe as well as the Khasi tribe are identical. A dhoti, which is unstitched and long is tied around the waist. It is complemented by an embroidered jacket or a shirt. At occasions like Ka Pom-Blang Nongkrem and Ka Shad Suk Mynsie Meghalaya, males are seen sporting silk turbans and carrying the oath in one hand.
The Garo tribe wears a hand-woven loincloth, traditional male clothes are only worn to special occasions and festivals. The men are heard blazing their traditional attire with joy.
Traditional dress that comes from Meghalaya Women
1. Jainsem
Jainsem is a renowned traditional dress used in Meghalayan women. The dress is made from the mulberry silk that is a regional product from the Meghalaya state. Over this dress they wear the tap-moh khlieh, which is made of cotton Shawls.
2. Kyrshah
In the time of harvest, women of the Jaintia tribe dress their heads in a striped cloth called Kyrshah. They cover their bodies in an elegant velvety blouse as well as an ankle-length sarong known as Thoh Khyrwang. Women will wear gold and silver ornaments in the Christmas season to complete the style. Women are from communities like the Jaintia as well as Khasi communities are adorned with an ornament made of gold, Kynjri Ksiar.
3. Jainkup
Women who are older from their clan of Jaintia family wear this woolen full-sleeve outfit. The dress is unique with stunning lace embroidery across the neck. Accessories to match the traditional dress are white and red coral decorated by silver, foil or gold crowns, and elegant gold earrings. A lot of dancers in women dress in this gorgeous attire while dancing their traditional form on stage in this festival. Khasi Festival.
4. Dak Manda
It is believed that the Garo tribe wears the Dak Manda, a handmade lungi. It is typically tied over the waist. The dress that is worn by the Garo community is different based on where they live. For instance, if the Garo community is located in a highly populated or overcrowded area, they would prefer wearing lengthy cotton gowns.
In the same way, people living in the distant region are fond of wearing ‘eking’ which is a tiny piece of cloth which is 18 inches long and approximately 14 inches wide, and is tied in a waist. The people of this community love wearing jewelry such as Nadongbi the nr sisha, the earring of brass as well as Natapsi in the earlobes of the upper part. Ripok (also known as Necklaces is a long barrel-shaped beads comprised of silver, red and brass, or cornelian glass. These ornaments are used for special occasions.
A Traditional Wedding Dress of Meghalaya For Women and Men
Brides can wear a Jainsem or Dhara with an saffron or yellow-colored silk mulberry. The dress is complemented by gold and silver crowns, with an attached peak on the back. Two distinct fabrics are worn across each shoulder. The groom is wearing the Jymphong that is a sleeveless coat. It’s decorated with an emblematic red cock design featuring a neckline with V floral patterns and yellow lines.
This coat is secured by an Chinese Frog fastener. It’s deep blue and adorned with silver or gold tassels. The waist is adorned with silk adorned with gold threads on the edges of Jainboh. Weddings are a perfect occasion to wear a Khasi. Khasi men are also wearing Jainspong, which is a red and yellow colored turban.
Conclusion
While some tribes in Meghalaya might have different but distinctive ways of dressing in their traditional sense, the entire community is in harmony regardless of their diverse outfits. They of Meghalaya have a reputation for excellence in their rich heritage of culture. Their fashions, clothes and accessories might differ however they’re amazing and stunning. Today, Meghalaya men are limited to wearing only formal attire for occasions. However, women continue to adhere to their traditional and ancient methods of dressing.
