Arunachal Pradesh, located in the easternmost part of India, is home to various tribes and sub-tribes. This pious location, also known as the “Land Of Rising Sun,” has various cultural beliefs regarding dress and food habits. Being a tribal state, the people here have their unique set of traditional costumes, which include shawls, wraps, and skirts. Adi, Aka, Galo, Nyishi, Apatani, Bokar, and Tangsa are some tribal communities residing on this very land. Despite living in a particular state, the dressing sense varies depending upon the geographical region they belong to. This article covers the Traditional dress of Arunachal Pradesh for men and women.
So, without further delay, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Traditional dress of Arunachal Pradesh Men
Mibu Galuk and Ugon
Mibu Galuk is a sleeveless front-opening jacket worn by men of the Mishing tribe. The outfit has a special significance in the tradition of Arunachal Pradesh and is worn on special occasions.
The locals usually sew this outfit in their homes, and it is available in various colors. The Ugon is a white lower garment, commonly known as Dhoti. The Ugon usually has a simple design and is worn by individuals on a regular basis.
Thus, the combination of Mibu Galuk and Ugon holds a special position in socio-cultural and religious functions.
Sherdukpen Dress
It is another traditional dress worn by the males of the Sherdukpen tribe. This two-end cloth runs onto the shoulders and reaches to the knees. The natural substances used in manufacturing such clothes consist of yak hair and silk.
The colorful band around its brim is the highlight of this outfit. The waistband support provided is used to carry knives and swords by the warriors of this community.
Jilang
This is a decorative shawl woven of black cotton and wool yarn. The outfit is mainly seen to be worn by males of the Apatani Community.
The center of the shawl has a medium-sized band, white in color, and consists of stripes on both sides of the band. This dress is also considered an expensive piece of the ceremonial, priestly attire required during traditional practices like Murung.
Letum and Pomo
These are cotton sleeveless shirts worn by the males of the Nyishi Tribe. The dress has a Tibetan thread at the forehead and rings around the waist and arms.
Interestingly, you see a helmet made of animal skin and sharp pointed bamboo sticks. The additional decoratives here depend upon the status of the individuals in that particular community.
Traditional dress of Arunachal Pradesh Women
Baku
Baku is a traditional Arunachal Pradesh dress for females and is a popular bridal attire. It is a loose-fitting blouse worn to enhance the bride’s beauty.
This blouse is tied on the saree and equipped with a long coat, natural jewelry, and stones. Added accessories consist of beads, colored bird feathers, earrings, and bangles made of bamboo.
Haitey abie
This is another traditional dress worn by the Apatani Community of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a lower garment made of cotton or silk and primarily possesses a white or maroon color with black stripes. Embroidered with a diamond pattern in the center, the clothing has spiral and angular patterns at the borders.
Nara
It is a traditional dress wrapped around a skirt and is made of cane or bamboo strips. The women of the Nyishi community are seen to be wearing such outfits. The Nara is often paired with a blouse along with other accessories. Metal disks, beads, and cane garters worn at the waist are the key attractions of this attire.
Galuk
Women of the Adi tribe, which lives in the hill villages of Arunachal, are seen wearing this beautiful outfit called Galuk. It is a long skirt wrapped around a skirt and made of finely woven cane or bamboo strips. The older women generally wear yellow necklaces and spiral earrings to compliment the dress.
Nyikey
This is a beautiful traditional dress of the women belonging to the Miji Tribe. It is an ankle-length white garment combined with a beautifully decorated red jacket. The clothes are mainly made of cotton to provide comfort while walking. They tend to equip their outfit with silver ornaments and brass-based necklaces. Other ornaments, like bangles and ear tops, are also worn to enhance their looks.
Wrapping Up on Arunachal Pradesh dress
Thus, mentioned here are some traditional dress of Arunachal Pradesh for both men and women. The accessories made of various metals are among the beautiful attractions here. Along with the outfits, the region is famous for its cultural beliefs and festivals and people here love their traditional costumes. Most of the population lives on agriculture, as hilly areas mainly cover the state.
The festive season is the best time to visit this beautiful land to learn more about its culture. This region is also believed to have an ancient heritage, and it is mentioned and found in the Indian scriptures.
Know more about the traditional dress of Bihar the Traditional Dress of Assam and the Traditional Dress of Maharashtra here.