Mizoram is another state located in Northeast India. This state is also a part of the Seven Sisters of India. You will find amazing scenic views with incredible weather here. You can witness the beauty in everything from their way of living to their traditional dress, vibrant festivals, and unique cultural rituals. The traditional dress of Mizoram is a prime example of their rich cultural heritage. These dresses have beautiful patterns and designs that showcase their artistic skills . Let’s dive in to explore the different types of traditional dresses of Mizoram for men and women.
Traditional Dress of Mizoram for Women
1. Puan and PuanChei paired with Kawrchei
Puan is a popular traditional dress of Mizoram for women. It is a wrap-around skirt with different shades of colours like red, black, and white. The black portion is made of synthetic fur, handwoven and designed for special occasions.
Puan Chei is worn while performing the traditional dance of Mizoram during weddings. It is a two-piece cloth paired with a long skirt and a blouse called Kawrchei. Kawrchei is a beautiful blouse made of cotton fabric crafted by the very hands of talented weavers. These dresses are available in checkered patterns featuring bright colours.
2. Zakuolaisen and Puon pie
This dress is worn by the unmarried girls of Mizoram and is known as Zakuolaisen. It looks beautiful blouse with crimson-coloured stripes on it. Puon Pie is another woven dress that is specially made for married women. However, some people also wear this dress due to religious beliefs.
3. Mnai and Rikatouh
Mnai is a traditional wear of women of the Riang tribe of Mizoram. It is a long cotton cloth worn around the waist. There is another cloth called Rikatouh, which is made of vibrant colours and worn on the torso. It beautifully complements the complete attire.
4. Chapchur Kut and Pawl Kut
Chapchur Kut is a long white gown with yellow, black, white and red stripes. This dress also includes a headgear made of feathers, attached to a stick. Pawl Kut is a mesmerising dress named after the Pawl festival of Mizoram.
Traditional Dress of Mizoram for Men
The outfit worn by most men of Mizoram consists of a cloth piece that is 7 feet long and 5 feet wide. They also wear an extra piece of fabric, wrapped around their torso during the winter season. This dress is paired with a white-coloured coat. This coat has white and red bands on the sleeves along with other detailed designs. It is one of the favourite dresses of Mizo men, as it is worn on all special occasions.
However, during summers, they wear a dress wrapped around their waist to protect them from heat. To keep themselves safe, men also wear a turban or a pagri on their heads.
Exclusive traditional dress of Mizoram couple
1. Ngotekherh Puan
It is a classic shawl with two narrow black stripes on the edges and a white base. It is worn by both men and women. Proper instruments and measurements are used to design these clothes on a loin loom.
The skilful weavers maintain modern standards to keep their design uniform along the length of the Puan. This design is made by using red and white stripes giving it a luxurious look. These outfits are now popular globally and fashionistas are eager to buy this traditional dress of Mizoram.
2. Hmaram
This hand-woven traditional clothing is an unstitched dress made by the skilful artisans of the Hmar tribe. These dresses are t typically made using indigo-coloured cloth and worn by both men and women.
3. Chyna No Puan and Thangou Puon
Cyhna No Puan is a beautiful piece of cloth made of silk and has intricate embroidery. These look magnificent and enhance the beauty of the wearer with their chic style and colour variations.
Thangou Puon is another traditional outfit worn by the people of Paite tribes. These tribes are known for wearing and weaving unique dresses.
Traditional Dress of Mizoram for Bride and Groom
Mizos mostly prefer having a Christian wedding and hence they wear dresses as per their wedding customs. The bride wears a white gown with a veil covering her head. She also carries a beautiful bouquet in her hand. A white dress symbolises purity, innocence, and virtue. The wedding dress also represents a new beginning. The groom in Christian weddings wears a black tuxedo suit.
Some brides of Mizoram also choose to wear their traditional dress, Puan, with a matching blouse. Puan is a wrap-around skirt, that looks like a shawl and is woven by hand. They also wear Pauanchei, a shawl wrapped around their waist. This beautiful dress has been a part of Mizo culture for a very long time. During the early years, it was made by hand but with development, these are now made by machines. The groom wears a long cloth known as a Pachh which is wrapped around the waist and over the shoulder.
Jewellery to Pair with the Traditional Dress of Mizoram
Almost 95% of Mizoram has a diverse population of different tribal origins. This represents one of the highest tribal concentrations in India. The Mizo tribal communities make use of shells, teeth, bones, animal claws, and semi-precious stones to create jewellery.
Know More about traditional dress of nagaland here.
Conclusion
The traditional dresses of Mizoram are proof that the state has a rich heritage and culture deeply tied to its ancestral roots. The detailed patterns, bright colours, and artistic designs explain it all. Visiting this beautiful state and witnessing its culture is an ideal experience for designers and fashion enthusiasts.
