By Editor Nature and scenery-wise, no doubt, Meghalaya is one of the most stunning places in the country. But the culture part is also what attracts a lot of people, and usually, people are really impressed by the way people dress in this state. And it could very well be that up until this point, you didn’t even give much thought to what people traditionally wear in Meghalaya, correct? Well, that is precisely what we’re up to today because we’re here to talk about the Traditional Dress of Meghalaya, for both men and women. So let’s just get to it then.
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Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya for Women
1. Khasi Women
The primary and very traditional dress of Khasi women is known as Jainsem. It is basically a long piece of mulberry silk cloth that is wrapped around the waist to the ankles and worn along with a simple blouse. In winters, though, to keep warm, they drape a cotton shawl called Tap-Moh Khlieh over their shoulders, which is absolutely suitable for the cold weather of the hills.
Aged Khasi women would normally put on a Jainkup, that is, a heavier woollen garment, plus a tightly-fitting, long-sleeve blouse. That’s just their go-to.
Talking about special events like some festivals, like Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, they wrap the decorative golden-threaded cloth pieces around their arms and shoulders, and also wear coral bead necklaces, gold earrings, and a silver crown with dangling strands.
2. Jaintia Women
Jaintia women dress very much like Khasi women, but still have their own unique style, and if you live in Manipur, you can easily spot the difference. At the time of the harvest and festivals, they put on a checked cotton cloth known as Kyrshah over their heads, which is an outward expression of humility and reverence.
Widely, their apparel comprises the Thoh Khyrwang, which is an ankle-length sarong paired usually with a velvet blouse. Besides, one cannot overlook the significance of the ornamentation, coral necklaces, silver bangles, and the beautiful 24-carat gold pendant named Kynjri Ksiar enhances their classic yet super traditional attire.
3. Garo Women
Garo women are mostly simple, but they always have a cultural touch in their style. How? See, in the countryside of the state, they usually wear a small locally woven cloth, which is called Eking, which is tied around the waist, a very handy and comfortable garment for everyday activities.
On special occasions, they change to Dakmanda, which is a longer cotton piece of fabric with handwoven borders, that is worn with a blouse and decorated with ornaments. At marriages and festivals, they prefer to dress up in vibrant colours, wear gold and silver jewellery, and have elaborate beadwork. Simple yet super traditional, and looks good too.
Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya for Men
1. Khasi and Jaintia Men
Right here in the state, the Khasi and Jaintia guys dress in almost the same way. You’ll know what we’re talking about. Like, they take a long piece of unstitched cloth, which is wrapped around the waist like a dhoti, and wear it with a shirt or jacket, a simple and traditional look. On festivals, they wear an eye-catching silk turban either in yellow or maroon, and at times a ceremonial sword as a part of their dance attire.
During weddings, the male bridegroom is seen in a Jymphong, which is an outerwear without sleeves and is most of the time in dark blue color with yellow stripes and red cock motifs, which are the symbols of pride right here in the state. Along with this, a red silk dhoti named Jainboh is worn, and a unique turban called Jainspong is tied. Altogether, the appearance is very magnificent and straight up stunning.
2. Garo Men
See, in Manipur, Garo men like to keep it simple yet super practical when it comes to their dress or the way they dress up every day. How? Well, you’ll often see them in a handwoven cotton loincloth, which quite literally is their regular wear, which is quite a practical outfit for fieldwork. In festivals, it is a cloth band worn across the chest, bead necklaces, and iron elbow rings called Jaksil, which they adorn themselves with. The richer families may be seen wearing more ornaments, but the main trend is still to the past and the tribal ways.