Traditional Manipuri finery

We have a decently numbered Manipuri community here in the bay area and we got together for a feast called the 'Ningol Chakouba'. The festival is similar to 'Bhai Duj' as known in most other parts of India. Its a beautiful concept; married women are invited by their brothers for a feast. It is a time for sisters to get pampered with gifts and a lavish spread of food items. It is one of the major festivals in Manipur.

It is a time for us women to dress up in traditional finery and look our best!It is of course a big deal!Going back and meeting all your folks again is very looked forward to, and eagerly waited for all year.

For an experience away from home, I chose to wear this hand woven silk stole in golden yellow, draped in traditional style and put in place with a brooch. I think yellow suits me no?The stole(called a phee in Manipuri)(read more about it here) comes in beautiful colors and looks ethereal on women during weddings and festivals. The wrap(called a phanek-this design in particular is the mayek naiba) is also hand woven and is tied at the waist,  also a classic piece(both the phee and the phanek are made in many beautiful, bright colors)-it could take a while to wrap it right :).  I paired the outfit with jewellery , designs which are very original and unique to Manipur.

Stole and Wrap- Wangkhei Manipur, India;Jewellery-Manikumar, Manipur, India; Sandals-Jimmy Choo

Traditional Manipuri Jewellery-Manikumar Jewellers; Manipur, India

Brooch-A gift; Earrings and bangles-Manikumar Jewellers,Manipur, India