The Traditional Dress of Manipur

The traditional dress for Manipuri women is graceful and heavily hand-woven. It consists of two main parts:

1. The Phanek: This is a long, wrap-around skirt worn at the waist, similar to a sarong. It is uniquely handwoven, often featuring horizontal stripes and heavy, beautiful embroidery at the bottom edge. Unlike skirts in other parts of India, the Phanek does not have pleats.
2. The Innaphi: To cover the upper body, women wear a shawl or dupatta called the Innaphi. Traditionally, it is woven very delicately so that it is almost transparent and lightweight, making it look very elegant.

The traditional dress for Manipuri men is simple and suited for the climate.

• They usually wear a white Dhoti (wrapped around the waist and legs) paired with a simple Kurta or a jacket on top.
• A white turban (Pagri) is often worn on the head during religious ceremonies and festivals.

If you have ever seen the famous Manipuri Classical Dance (Raas Leela), you have seen the Potloi. It is a spectacularly stiff, cylindrical, brightly colored skirt heavily decorated with mirrors and gold thread. It is unique to Manipur and is also worn by Manipuri brides on their wedding day.