Assam

The Bodo community, with its rich cultural heritage, boasts traditional costumes and ornaments that not only serve as a form of self-expression but also carry deep historical significance. Weaving is a cherished art in Bodo society, with a woman’s expertise in weaving being a marker of respect. These traditional dress materials, handwoven by the Bodo women themselves, are adorned with splendid designs that showcase their remarkable creativity, skill, and deep-rooted cultural traditions. In this blog, we will delve into the traditional costumes of the Bodo community, exploring the attire worn by both men and women.

“Grace Woven in Threads: The Distinctive Attire of Bodo Men and Women”

Gamsa : It is a traditional male dress, measuring 1.5 meters in length and 1.2 meters in width. It is typically tied around the waist, covering the area from waist to the knee. Additionally, it serves as a versatile towel for bathing. The ‘Gamsa’ is meticulously woven with an array of colours, including green, soft red, and combinations like white and green, white and blue, and more

Aronai : It is a traditional muffler of the Bodos where the floral pattern used is again the ‘Hajw or Pahar Agor’. Today the colorful Aronai is a symbol of Bodo’s way of showing love and hospitality to the world. Bodos traditionally welcome their revered guest with Aronai and it has to be mentioned that Aronai and it has been mentioned that Aronai with its unique design and bright colours is highly appreciated by everyone in any corner of the world who ever have come across it. The aronai is a muffler used by men, especially during their performance in cultural or religious festivals.

Jacket/KhotGosla: The sleeveless front-opening jacket, known as ‘KhotGosla,’ comes in a variety of colours such as yellow, green, red, and white, each featuring unique decorative designs. The ‘KhotGosla’ is crafted using both hand and machine sewing techniques.

Dokhona : Dokhona, the traditional dress of the Bodo women is a one-piece garment that is wrapped around a body in a unique style giving a look of two-piece wear. The word ‘ Dokhona’ means six corners (Do means six & Khona in Bodo means corner) and if observed carefully the Dokhona when wrapped  & worn gives six corners.

A dokhona measures three and a half meters in length and one and a half meters in width. Bodo women tie the dokhona around the chest,just above the breasts, and let it flow down to the ankles.

The common colour in Bodo dresses is mainly all shades of yellow, orange and green which has been expresssed as ‘Gwmw Gwthang Batho Gang’. (Gwmw is yellow & Gwthang is green). These colours were perhaps preferred by Bodo women because the dyening  for these colours was easier to extract from the roots, tubers, barks, and leaves found in nature.

Jwmgra or Fashra ( Bodo Scarf): Dokhona worn by women is incomplete without a Jwmgra.Jwmgra is a shoulder scarf worn by Bodo Girls.It is also known as Fasra,Pali or Rege-Regang. 

Bodo Jwmgra is the most beautiful and attractive piece with designs where Bodo girls bring out the beauty of nature. ‘Hajw or Pahar Agor’ Jwngra with the designs of hills & scenery is the most adored scarf used by Bodo women both young and old.

Conclusion

The traditional costumes of the Bodo community are a testament to their unique culture and artistry. These garments are characterized by bright colors, intricate patterns, and fine designs, reflecting the Bodo people’s creativity and tradition. While Bodo individuals once cultivated their own cotton, they now source yarn from local markets, contributing to the popularity of their textiles among non-Bodo communities.

The Dimasa community, known for their vibrant culture and traditions, showcases their unique identity through exquisite jewelry and ornaments. These adornments, fashioned from precious and semi-precious stones, such as coral (known as Phowal in Dimasa Language), metals like silver, and coins, take center stage during festive occasions like “Bushu.” Let’s delve into the world of Dimasa jewelry and explore Khadu (bracelets), Rangbarsha (coin necklaces), Jongsama, Rmailik, Khamaothai (earrings), and Shukhep (headgears) in this captivating blog.

The Tradition of Passing Down:

These jewels and ornaments hold profound significance and are often passed down from mothers to daughters. In the absence of daughters, they are cherished heirlooms shared with the nearest female relative of the same female clan, known as “Jahdi.”

Diversity in Dimasa Ornaments:

Dimasa men typically wear Yaocher and Kharik, whereas Dimasa women adorn themselves with an array of ornaments, including Jongsama, Rangbarsha, Rmailik, Chandrawal, and more.

Rmailik, a term derived from “RMAI” (colorful stripes on upper garments) and “Lik” (beaded necklace), is a vibrant beaded necklace. It boasts a mesmerizing combination of yellow, green, black, blue, and white microbeads, creating a striking piece of jewelry that graces the necks of Dimasa women.

1. Rmailik – The Colorful Beaded Necklace:

Rmailik, a term derived from “RMAI” (colorful stripes on upper garments) and “Lik” (beaded necklace), is a vibrant beaded necklace. It boasts a mesmerizing combination of yellow, green, black, blue, and white microbeads, creating a striking piece of jewelry that graces the necks of Dimasa women.

2. Jongsama – Beads, Coral, and Silver:

Jongsama is another enchanting necklace, composed of colored microbeads, coral stones, and beads crafted from real silver. It is a symbol of grace and tradition that Dimasa women proudly wear, accentuating their beauty and cultural identity

3.Phowal – The Garland of Coral and Silver:

Phowal, a stunning garland, is a unisex accessory adorned by both Dimasa men and women. Crafted from coral and pure silver beads, it embodies the essence of Dimasa tradition. When coral is scarce or expensive, red-colored and metal beads are used as alternatives.

4.Chandrawal – Silver Flowered Elegance:

Chandrawal, also known as Chandrahaar, is an exquisite piece designed as a silver flower. Worn by Dimasa women, it comes in two variations – Chandrawal Renshi (made of three rows) and Chandrawal Renbri (made of four rows). Each piece symbolizes elegance and grace.

5.Rangbarsha – The Traditional Coin Necklace:

Rangbarsha is a traditional Dimasa necklace adored by girls and women alike. This enchanting piece is crafted from silver coins, narrating stories of heritage and tradition

6. Khamothai – Earrings of Elegance:

Khamothai, a charming earring, is yet another piece of jewelry adorning the necks of Dimasa girls and women. It adds a touch of elegance and allure to their overall appearance.

7.Khadu – The Silver Circlet:

Khadu is a bangle or circlet adored by Dimasa women. Exquisitely crafted from pure silver, it graces their wrists, signifying their cultural pride.

Conclusion

The Dimasa community’s traditional jewelry and ornaments are not merely adornments but vessels of heritage and culture. In this blog, we’ve taken a journey through the exquisite world of Dimasa jewelry, celebrating their unique identity and traditions through the lens of these stunning pieces.

In the heart of Assam, where the Brahmaputra River winds its way through lush landscapes, a hidden gem awaits discovery. The Mishing tribe, with their vivid culture and time-honored traditions, form a living mosaic of Assam’s heritage. In this enchanting odyssey, we embark on a voyage of wonder, delving into the captivating world of the Mishing tribe’s traditional attire and intricate jewelry. This is a journey into a realm of colors, patterns, and stories steeped in history.

Traditional Dress of Mishing Males: Where Colors Weave the Tapestry

The signature sleeveless jacket of the Mishing men, the Mibu Galuk, comes in a dazzling array of colors. Whether it’s white, black, red, green, or yellow, each one is adorned with intricate designs. These jackets, hand-sewn or machine-made, are reserved for special occasions and festivals, adding a touch of grandeur to the festivities

1. Mibu Galuk:

The signature sleeveless jacket of the Mishing men, the Mibu Galuk, comes in a dazzling array of colors. Whether it’s white, black, red, green, or yellow, each one is adorned with intricate designs. These jackets, hand-sewn or machine-made, are reserved for special occasions and festivals, adding a touch of grandeur to the festivities.

2.Erpob:

It is a maflar, hang around the shoulder. Woven in red colour with cross stripes of differentcolours, black, white, yellow etc the stripes may be thickly or thinly placed transversely over the whole length of cloth.

Tapum-Gasor (Eri Shawl):

For the cold winters, Mishing men wrap themselves in the warmth of Tapum-Gasor, woven from hand-spun eri silk yarn. Whether plain or adorned with simple motifs, these shawls are a fusion of fashion and functionality.

Dumer:

Resembling the Assamese Gamocha, the Dumer is a versatile cloth, predominantly white with a striking red border. This cloth serves as a shoulder wrap, turban, or even a towel in everyday life.

Jinrek or Tongali Dumer:

Slightly longer and wider than Dumer, Jinrek adds another layer of style with its red floral and geometric motifs, often tied as a waist girdle over Galuk and Gonro Ugon.

Ugon (Dhoti):

The traditional white Ugon is a daily staple for Mishing men, but for special events, they opt for the Gonro Ugon with exquisite decorative designs, elevating their style.

Traditional Dress of Mishing Females: A Symphony of Elegance

Gero: These beautiful waist and chest ornaments, woven with red and black patterns on a white background, transform Mishing women into symbols of grace

Ege: Covering the lower part of the body with elegance, Ege is a Mishing woman’s daily companion. With variations like Mosang Ege, Geging Ege, and Tapum Ege, they exhibit a diverse array of styles.

Mosang Gasor: Paired with Mosang Ege, Mosang Gasor exhibits matching colors and designs, exuding a sense of harmony in the Mishing ensemble.

Segreg: While mainly used by older women at home, Segreg is a plain cloth with contrasting borders, adding a touch of tradition to everyday life.

Ku-Pob: Grown-up Mishing girls embrace Ku-Pob, a fabric akin to a dupatta, wrapping it beneath their armpits and covering the upper body. The choice of white, green, or blue with contrasting borders accentuates their beauty.

Sori Potali: A close cousin of Gero, Sori Potali features a checkered body with a simpler design, adding a touch of sophistication to the Mishing women’s attire.

Pe: Re: It is also a type of Gero. The cloth is designed with narrow stripes of red, black, yellow, green and white
colour with black or green border. Stripes of red colour predominate to give out a reddish appearance of the cloth.

Ri: Bi and Gaseng: Adorned with striking stripes and red floral motifs, Ri: Bi and Gaseng add a festive touch to the attire of young Mishing girls.

Conclusion

The traditional costumes of the Mishing tribe are more than just garments; they are a canvas of culture, a palette of tradition, and a testament to the beauty of heritage. With a rich blend of vibrant colors and intricate patterns, these attire pieces encapsulate the essence of the Mishing way of life.

In the past, Mishing people cultivated their own cotton, but the winds of change have brought them to local markets for yarn, marking a new chapter in their journey. Interestingly, their unique designs are not confined to their community alone; they’re finding resonance in neighboring cultures.

This exploration of Mishing attire is not merely an appreciation but a key to preserving the fabric of tradition. It paves the way for the expansion of traditional textiles, the safeguarding of indigenous art forms, and the evolution of designs to cater to diverse tastes. By doing so, these folk arts continue to serve as vivid reminders of the culture and tradition that define the myriad peoples dwelling in different corners of our world.

Introduction

The Dimasa tribe of Dimahasao, Assam, boasts a vibrant culture, and their traditional dresses are a reflection of their rich heritage. Their traditional dresses, meticulously woven on household handlooms, reflect the tribe’s deep-rooted traditions and artistic flair. The attire of Dimasa men and women holds a significant place in their festivals, marriages, and other joyous occasions.

In this blog, we will explore the unique and colourful traditional dresses of the Dimasa tribe, including Rigu, Rikhaosa Rimai, Rikhaosa Sada, Rajamphai, Risa Rimai, Risa Sada, and Risa Galao. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Dimasa traditional clothing!

1. Rigu: The Graceful Women’s Wear

Rigu is a staple garment among Dimasa women, exuding elegance and charm. This ankle-length cloth is worn from the waist downwards and is meticulously handwoven by skilled Dimasa women. The cloth comes in a variety of colours, with common choices being vibrant shades of red, yellow, and white. At the bottom, you’ll find exquisite Rikhu motif designs that add an artistic touch to the attire.

2. Rikhaosa Rimai: The Splendor of Festive Celebrations

Rikhaosa Rimai is a piece of cloth that Dimasa women wear to cover their chests during special occasions like marriages and Bushu Dima festivities. This handwoven garment features attractive designs (rimai) horizontally on both ends of the cloth. It comes in various colours, with red, yellow, and green being the most prevalent hues. The use of Padmini cotton and cotton as the common fabrics ensures both comfort and style.

3. Rikhaosa Sada: The Subtle Elegance

Similar to Rikhaosa Rimai, Rikhaosa Sada is also worn by Dimasa women to cover their chests during festive events and casual occasions. The key difference lies in the absence of designs (rimai) on Rikhaosa Sada, distinguishing it from its counterpart. The cloth shares the same common colours and fabrics as Rikhaosa Rimai.

4. Rajamphai (Sada): A Timeless Classic

Rajamphai or chest wrapper is a graceful attire predominantly donned by elderly or married Dimasa women at any occasion. This white garment extends from the chest to the knees and is crafted from cotton yarns. Adorning the left end of the cloth is the traditional Rikhu design, adding a touch of tradition and cultural significance.

5. Rajamphain (Rimai): Colors of Celebration

Rajamphain (Rimai) is a variant of the Rajamphai chest wrapper, extending from the chest to the knees. It features a stunning combination of colours, including vast white and colorful stripes in yellow, orange, green, blue, black, red, and white. The left end of the cloth also displays the symbolic Rikhu design. Dimasa females of all ages wear this attire during joyous occasions like festivals, marriages, and dancing.

6. Risa Rimai: Men’s Elegance

Risa Rimai is a beautifully handwoven scarf-like cloth worn by Dimasa men during special events like marriages and Bushu Dima. Similar to Rikhaosa Rimai, it boasts horizontal designs (rimai) on both ends and comes in a range of colours, including red, yellow, and green, using Padmini cotton and cotton fabrics.

7. Risa Sada: Simplicity and Sophistication

Risa Sada is the counterpart of Risa Rimai, serving as a scarf-like cloth worn by Dimasa men on casual and festive occasions. Unlike Risa Rimai, this version lacks the horizontal designs (rimai), emphasizing simplicity while retaining elegance. The common colours and fabrics remain consistent with Risa Rimai.

8. Risa Galao: Men’s Casual Delight

Risa Galao is a short dhoti-style cloth worn by Dimasa men, reaching from the waist to the knees. The cloth features vertical Rikhu designs on both ends, adding a distinctive charm to the outfit. With its casual and festive appeal, Risa Galao is a popular choice among Dimasa men.

Conclusion

The traditional dresses of the Dimasa tribe in Dimahasao, Assam, are an embodiment of their cultural heritage and artistic prowess. From the graceful Rigu to the vibrant Rajamphain (Rimai), each attire represents the essence of Dimasa traditions and their love for colours and motifs. Whether it’s a joyous festival or a solemn marriage celebration, these unique garments continue to be an integral part of Dimasa culture, preserving their identity for generations to come.