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.
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| Stole and Wrap- Wangkhei Manipur, India;Jewellery-Manikumar, Manipur, India; Sandals-Jimmy Choo |
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| Traditional Manipuri Jewellery-Manikumar Jewellers; Manipur, India |
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| Brooch-A gift; Earrings and bangles-Manikumar Jewellers,Manipur, India |
