Assamese Attire: Traditional Dresses of Assam

Assam stands in one of the seven sisters of North East. This state is significant with its cultural heritage, its local cuisine, its language, the famous Assamese attire that effectively makes the culture of the state unique from others. The state is not only heavenly with its lush green forests and historic significance but also the Assam people take pride in adorning themselves with the exotic rich clothing and traditional jewellery that they wear. The culture and traditions that are followed anciently by the forefathers are gratefully respected and maintained even now in the present era by this generation. And here is what lay the speciality of the state. The traditional dresses of Assam are not only created delicately with rich fabric but also looks best when anyone wears them. Come; let's have a look at the exotic and lavishly elegant dresses of Assam that can be found only on this land.

The Traditional dresses of Assam:

Dhoti and Gamosa:

We all know that Dhoti has its significance since the ancient Indian traditions and people of Assam, the men take pride wearing it. It is worn to cover the lower body and not everyone knows to wear it in a proper way. However, it is integrally worn by Assam people and they know to carry it gracefully. Along with it, they carry a 'Gamosa'. Gamosa is a piece of cloth that is very significant in this state. It usually is white in colour with red embroidered on both ends. It is used to felicitate people to show respect and gratitude in the state.

The Mekhela Chador:

The Mekhela Chador is the primary traditional attire of Assam for women. This is a two-piece cloth similarly worn as a saree. The upper piece is called Chador and the lower piece is the Mekhela. It is integrally adorned by the beautiful ladies of the state and looks elegantly fantastic with it. The Mekhela chador is not only the attire worn by this state but the state is the land of various tribes who possess their own dressing styles, traditions, and culture which is being followed by generations.

Now, let's have a look at the different dressing styles of the tribes of Assam.

The Tribal Wear of Assam:

The Dimasa Tribe:

Talking about the men's dress, they wear Sgaopha or a Phagri that is important for them as a symbol of pride they carry in their name. The Sgaopha is generally green or yellow colour but is also white with red thread worn by the grooms. Rigdo is a kind of little muffler they carry and Risha and Gainthao that varies in length.

On the other hand, the dresses of women are very aesthetic as they are. They wear Rigu which is a long piece of fabric that is a standard material than that of Mekela. Bathormai is similar to Rigu with only a single design on the entire piece of cloth and is worn during summers. Rijamphain is a white piece of fabric worn by young women. Their way of dressing is quite subtle but they know to carry it in a graceful manner.

The Bodo Tribe:

The men of this tribe generally wear Gamosa to cover the lower body and the upper body is covered with normal shirts. Their footwear is unique as it is made of wood and is called 'Khorom.'

While the women of this tribe have a distinguishing dressing format. The women here are seen wearing the Dokhna which is a dress like cloth that they wrap around their body and runs right from the chest, down to the ankles. It is crafted in such a way that can be wrapped around the body only once and is tied around the waist. This Dokhna is made of various bright colours and patterns and Agor. A Dhokna without an Agor is regarded as a bridal dress and can is termed as a Salamatha. The people here have mastered the art of using the eri fibres and producing some fine clothes that everyone finds elegant.

The Missing Tribe:

The men of this particular tribe wear a dhoti called Gonru Ugon. Their upper body is cover with a shirt like fabric called Mibu Galuk. They also carry Gamosa Dumer which is of utter significance.

On the other hand, the women's dressing style is not that fancy. They also wear Mekhela Chador which is black in colour called 'Yakan Age-Gasa'. Blouses are bright in colour and during the wedding, the attires are vibrant in colours.

The Rabha Tribe:

The tribals of this specific tribe follow their traditions obediently and their dressing style is quite unique. The men usually wear white dhoti with long Gamosa. The women wear a skirt like fabric with exquisite tribal patterns beautifully done called Koum Kontong. Kambang is worn in the upper body. This dress is also accompanied by a belt or a Kamarband created with wonderful pearls and shells called Labok, which look elegant on them.

The North East is a land of mystery that has a kind of magic with several unusual beauties, unexpressed tales, distinct styles, and unexplored traditions. The beautiful patterns and embroidery drew on the fabric has their own story and tales that can be experienced only by exploring this heavenly place of magic.

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