Traditional Manipuri silk sarees symbolize pride for the women of Manipur. The unique designs and motifs on them are what make these sarees one-of-a-kind. They are also known as Kammi sarees or Momo sarees, after the areas in which they were first produced — Kanpur (Kammi) and Moirang (Momo). Women have worn traditional Manipuri silk sarees in Manipur for generations. Today, they're mostly worn to special occasions like weddings and festivals but have become a tradition in the state. These saris are distinctly different from regular ones, not just because of their vibrant colours and intricate designs but also because of their hidden meanings. Read on to understand why and how you can wear a Manipuri traditional silk sari as well:
What does a Manipuri traditional silk saree mean?
A Manipuri traditional silk saree is more than just a piece of cloth. It's a window into the state's culture, heritage and traditions. For instance, the different ways of tying the saree, the different ways of adorning it and the different ways of weaving the saree mean a lot. Some of the saree parts are even named after local flowers and plants. Here are a few things that a Manipuri traditional silk saree symbolizes: - The type of thread used to weave the saree: A saree woven with the pall or pal means it's woven with silk. - How the saree is tied: The 'Momor' saree is tied in a particular way. The pall is tied to the left and the whiteness to the right. - Color of the saree: The saree is usually a bright or vibrant colour, symbolizing beauty and optimism. - Saree style: The saree is usually worn in the 'aangan' style, a style specific only to women in Manipur. - The number of palls (or pallor) and pallor (or pall) pieces: Each pall and whiteness is supposed to be lucky. - The type of thread used to weave the pall and pallor: A pall or pallor woven with the pall means it's woven with silk.
How to wear a Manipuri traditional silk saree?
Here's how to wear a Manipuri traditional silk saree: - Wash the saree by hand and keep the pall and pallor aside. - Take the length of the saree and make a knot at the end. - Tuck the knot in between the pall and the whiteness. - Drape the saree around you. - Take the pall and pallor, and wrap them around your waist, tying them on your left. - Take the end of the saree and open it up to reveal the pall and pallor tied on the side. - Keep the pall and pallor tied on your waist tied with the saree end on the left. - Finally, tie the saree end on the right.
Which part of the body should you adorn with which saree part?
The pall, pallor and saree on your waist are the 'bailong', while the saree draped around you is the 'shong'. The song ends at the knee while the bailing ends below the knee, covering the foot and the ankle. The pall and the whiteness are tied on the left, and the song ends on the right.
Which part of the saree should you expose, and which part should be covered?
The pall and pallor tied around your waist or the 'bailong' should be covered by your song or saree. The song or saree should be tied to cover the pall and pallor.
Types of Manipuri traditional silk sari
There are many Manipuri traditional silk sarees, each with a different design and name. Here are a few: -
· Manipuri Bamboo Saree: The Manipuri Bamboo saree is the most common type of saree worn in Manipur. It is woven with a combination of cotton, silk and pall. The Bamboo saree has a straightforward design, with no motifs at all.
· Manipuri Mera Shongboi Saree: The Mera Shongboi saree is a unique saree woven with silk and cotton. These sarees are named after the Mera flower that grows in Manipur. The Mera Shongboi saree has a distinctive design with flowers on it.
· Pata Jaba Saree: The Pata Jaba saree is a twist on the Jaba saree. It has a vibrant design with flowers and birds woven into the saree. It is also woven with silk and cotton. - Jaba Saree: The Jaba saree has a floral design. It is woven with silk and cotton.
· Muga Saree: The Muga saree is one of the world's most expensive types of sarees, woven with Muga silk. Muga silk is rare silk found only in Manipur. The Muga saree has a distinct design woven into it with flowers.
· Shaking Saree: The Shaking saree is made using Muga silk. It has a very vibrant design woven into it with flowers.
· Umsor Saree: The Umsor saree is a very simple saree with no design. It is woven with silk.
· Japhra Saree: The Japhra saree is the most expensive in the world, woven with the rare Japhra silk. It has a straightforward design woven into it with no motifs.
· Moirai Saree: The Moirangi saree is a rare type woven with silk and cotton. It has a straightforward design with no motifs.
· Nissan Saree: The Ningsan saree is very simple with no designs. It is woven with silk.
· Anga Saree: The Anga saree is very simple with no designs. It is woven with silk.
Conclusion
A Manipuri traditional silk saree holds a lot of meaning. It's a part of the local culture and a symbol of pride for the women of Manipur. You can wear a traditional Manipuri silk saree to a wedding or even a festival or add a bit of local flavour to your outfit. The designs and motifs on the sarees make them one-of-a-kind, and the different ways of wearing them make them even more authentic!
