What are the traditional dresses of Assam? Yes I know the question come around us in every festive season. Don’t wory here we list out the best and famous traditional dresses of Assam for men and women both.
Assam is a state in northeastern India known for its rich culture and heritage. The States has some beautiful landscape along with so many vintage attraction. Assam is also known for colorful vibrant traditional dresses. The traditional dresses of Assam are a reflection of this diversity, and each tribe has its own unique style.
List of Most Famous 10 Traditional Dresses of Assam
Assam is the state with deep cultural roots. Here Some best Tradisional Dresses of Assam both for man and women :
1. Dhoti and Gamosa – Assam traditional dress for male
Dhoti or Gamosa is a traditional dress fir men in Assam. It’s usually worn to cover your lower half of your body. It’s also a popular garment in other Indian cultures. It’s not easy to wear a Dhoti right, and it’s also a bit tricky to carry around.
Dhotis are worn on the lower half of the body, while Gamosa is worn on the upper half. Most dhotis are about 5 yards long. They’re tied in a special way where one side of it goes in between your legs. Then it’s tied inside your waistband and tucked in.
Gamosa as a special white cloth with a lovely red border on three sides and some pretty designs on the other side. This versatile cloth has many uses. You can use it to wipe things, like your hands or face. Or, you can turn it into a waistcoat, which is called a Tongali. In some cases, Bihu dancers even use it as a loincloth during their performances. So, it’s not just a piece of fabric; it’s a symbol of respect and tradition in Assam.
2. Mekhela Chador : The Traditional Dress for Women
The Mekhela Chador is the most popular traditional dress of Assam for women. It is a two-piece garment consisting of a long skirt called the Mekhela and a wrapper called the Chador. The Mekhela is made of silk or cotton and is pleated in the front. The Chador is a long, flowing scarf that is draped over the shoulders.
The Mekhela Chador is a symbol of Assamese womanhood and is worn on all important occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies. It is also worn by women as everyday wear.
3. Tongali : A dress for men
Tongali is a long garment worn by Assamese men. This cloth is tied at the waist. Assamese deka wears tongalis while performing bihu dance. Tongali is woven with cotton cloth and not used here in yarn like jute, brown etc. Apart from Bihu, the traditional marriage tradition of the Ahom community, Chaklang, has a rule of tying a tongali on the waist of the daughter.
In the middle ages, it was customary for Assamese women to tie their husbands as a kavach cloth within a single night. According to popular belief, by doing this, the man becomes invincible in the fight. At times, the gamosa is also called tied around the waist and tied tongali. The sutradhar wears a special type of tongali with a white colored red scissors while dancing the sutra in the bhaona. Such tongali is called bhakatiya pag.
4. Sgaopha and Phagri
Sgaopha is mostly worn by the people of Dimsa tribe of Assam. People of Dimsa tribe wear this outfit as a symbol of pride. This outfit dates back to the past. It used to be that only yellow or green color was available in this outfit. Later, more colours were added in this outfit. This outfit is also worn by the grooms during their wedding.
A paguri is an accessory worn by the men of Assamese society to add beauty to the traditional outfit. It is similar to the turban also known as pag. Initially, Ahom King Gadadhar Singh introduced a very simple form of paguri. Today, this type of paguri is worn not only by the people of the locality but also by the upper castes. The paguri are different in appearance and can be distinguished from the unique paguri and simple paguri.
5. Salang Chadar
Selang or salang chadar is an Assamese traditional cloth worn on the upper part of the body. Usually, a portion is placed in front of the body and the other part of the salang is hung towards the back with the left shoulder. Selang Chadar is considered to be a respectable outfit in Assamese culture. Selangs are usually made of jute or cotton yarn. A salang is about 274 cm long and 130 cm wide and has flowers at both ends. Golden thread is commonly used to pluck these flowers.
6. Chola
Chola is a variant of shirt worn by men of Assamese origin. The style of wearing shirts was first introduced by Assamese King Rudra Singha. During this time, Cholas were worn by high-ranking officials and royals. These Cholas were known as Chauga Chola and Chapkan Chola. The ruling class of Assamese used to wear a variety of Cholas. These Cholas included Chengcola Chola, Rupar bridiya Chola, Buku chola and Enga chola. Today, Cholas are very popular in Assam. The style has changed with the changing needs and contemporary fashion
7. Aronai
Aronai, let me explain in simpler terms, is a special cloth that was initially worn by holy people and has been a part of Assam’s culture for a very long time. It’s particularly cherished by the Bodo tribe. This cloth carries a lot of pride and respect. It’s given to people as a sign of honor in their community.
Interestingly, some folks have found a new way to use it. During cold winters, they wrap it around their necks like a warm scarf. So, if you’re looking for something cute and traditional that you can use in other places too, Aronai might be a great choice. It’s a piece of Assam’s rich heritage you can wear and enjoy.
8. Assam Silk Sarees
Assam silk sarees are a beautiful and elegant form of traditional attire from the Indian state of Assam. They are made from the three types of indigenous wild silks produced in Assam: golden muga, white pat, and warm eri silk.
Pat silk is a white silk that is known for its soft, delicate texture. It is often used to make everyday wear sarees and other casual garments.
Muga silk is the most famous of the Assam silks and is known for its golden sheen. It is considered to be one of the finest silks in the world and is often used to make wedding sarees and other special occasion garments.
Eri silk is a warm, brown silk that is known for its durability. It is often used to make shawls, scarves, and other accessories.
Assam silk sarees are typically hand-woven and can be found in a variety of colors and designs. They are often decorated with traditional Assamese motifs, such as flowers, birds, and animals.
9. Rigdo
Rigdo is a traditional skirt worn by women of the tribal communities of Assam, India. It is a long, ankle-length skirt that is made of cotton or silk and is often decorated with traditional motifs. The Rigdo is typically worn with a blouse or shirt.
The Rigdo is a symbol of the tribal culture of Assam and is worn on all important occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies. It is also worn by women as everyday wear.
The Rigdo is believed to have originated in the hills of Assam and is said to have been inspired by the shape of a water lily. The skirt is typically made of a single piece of cloth that is pleated and then sewn together. The pleats are said to represent the waves of the river or lake.
The Rigdo is often decorated with traditional motifs, such as flowers, birds, and animals. The motifs are typically embroidered or woven into the fabric. The colors of the Rigdo also have symbolic meaning.
10. Risha and Gainthao
Risha and Gainthao are traditional dresses worn by the Rabha tribe of Assam, India. The Risha is a long, wraparound skirt that is made of cotton or silk. The Gainthao is a short, sleeveless blouse that is made of the same material.
The Risha is typically knee-length, while the Gainthao reaches the waist.
The Risha and Gainthao are worn by women on all important occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies. They are also worn by women as everyday wear.
Final Thoughts
Now I think State Infos can briefly Explain about the cultural an tradisional Dresses of Assam for men and women. The traditional dresses of Assam are a work of art and a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the people of the state. Hope you enjoying and take a long breath and explore the local shop to buy the unique dresses.
FAQ
What are the materials used to make traditional Assamese dresses?
The materials used to make traditional Assamese dresses vary depending on the type of dress and the tribe that is wearing it. However, some of the most common materials include: Silk and Cotton
Where can I buy traditional Assamese dresses?
There are many places where you can buy traditional Assamese dresses. Some of the most common places include :
- Local markets: These are a great place to find traditional Assamese dresses at a reasonable price.
- Online retailers: There are many online retailers that sell traditional Assamese dresses.
- Handloom emporiums: These are government-run stores that sell traditional Assamese dresses and other handicrafts.