The rich culture of Mizoram can be seen on the attire which is worn by the people. Traditional clothes of women are the fashionable Puan: a wraparound skirt and a blouse with bright coloring. Puanchei – a shawl-kind of garment – is worn elegantly. Male have Lungi or dhoti with shirt or taxedo.Male have Lungi or dhoti with shirt or taxedo. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets and even belts of beads and silver suit the traditional wears. Traditionally these lively costumes which are decorated from canon embroidery are worn during festival such as Mim Kut and Chapchar Kut respectively.
Traditional Attire of Mizoram
Mizoram is one of the seven states of Northeastern India, and it follows the tradition when it comes to dressing codes. The inhabitants of Mizoram collectively called as Mizo, they are so enriched with their colorful tradition and sense of dressing.
Traditional Dress for Women
- Puanchei: This is Mizoram traditional dress of women of Mizo people or the Mizos of the North Eastern Indian State of Mizoram. It is a long, colourful and very gracefully fitted skirt which may be made of cotton or silk.
- Kawrechi: This one is commonly used together with the Puanchei; it is a blouse. It is typically out of cotton and many times elaborate in terms of designing it from an embroidery point of view.
- Chadar: A shawl, or, at least, a scarf, is kept on the shoulders, normally, when the temperature is low, so it is worn during winter.
Traditional Dress for Men
- Pachu: This set of dressing is an ethnic Mizo men apparel The head gear or the ‘Kawr’ is worn over the head. It is a long strip of material, frequently woven of cotton or silk, that is passed round the middle and over one shoulder.
- Kawrtui: It’s an old piece of clothing that can be worn by men and women, and it is usually made of cotton or linen. It’s usually worn with the Pachu.
Components of Mizo Traditional Wear
- Vibrant Colors: Mizoram traditional dress is adorned with bright colours which are from nature.
- Intricate Embroidery: Mizoram traditional dress code particularly for women is incomplete without any form of embroidery which is very conspicuous in the Mizo women’s costume.
- Unique Patterns: Mizo nevertheless have own traditional style of dress and this has its own beauty, especially the geometrical designs which are unique.
- Natural Fabrics: The clothes that Mizos prefer most are those made from natural fibres and these include the cotton and the silk raiments are comfortable due to the contingencies of the region.
The Impact of Modernity on Ethnic Dress Code
Even though today’s Mizo people continue to value their traditional costume and put it on during formal functions, the fashion of today is also being displayed in the costumes of the Mizos. Nowadays young people tend to mix old and new school styles and techniques in their designs and works. However, the centerpieces of Mizo people’s traditional costume, that is Puanchei and Pachu, are considered currently as symbol of pride and or self-assertiveness among the Mizo people.
The dressing code of the people of Mizoram has a classic representation of the kind of dressing the people of Mizo possessed. It is absolutely pleasing to the eye as it gives an artistic outlook at Mizo textiles; its detailing, its colours and its patterns.
