Arunachal Pradesh is home to more than 25 distinct tribes and 100 smaller sub-tribes. The locals take great pride in wearing their historic garb. Shawls, wraps, & skirts are all part of Arunachal Pradesh traditional attire.
Even while people of different tribes share a same ethnic background, their clothing preferences vary greatly. The people of Arunachal Pradesh are rumored to have weaving in their veins.
The geometric designs inspired these bright and unusual garments. Their costumes even incorporate floral patterns. Another typical design is stripes. The disciplined way of life reflected in Arunachal Pradesh straight-lined clothing.
Here is a list of traditional dress of Arunachal Pradesh for Men & Women
Traditional Dress of women
Miji Tribe
One of Arunachal Pradesh’s original peoples is the Miji tribe. The ladies of the tribe traditionally dress in bright and bold colors. It accurately depicts the customs and values that are important to them.
Sleeveless tops (often in red or yellow) are paired with knee-length skirts for these women. The woolen skirts are available in a wide range of colors and designs. Skirts typically come in black, red, or blue.
The ladies also carry their infants in shawls that are draped over their shoulders. The traditional color of the shawl is red, and it is embroidered with elaborate patterns. They adorn themselves with silver, beads, and shells in the form of bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. It is an integral component of their wardrobe, serving both symbolic and aesthetic functions. The Miji women’s clothing is a stunning expression of their unique culture and heritage.
Sherdukpen Tribe
Women of the Sherdukpen Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh traditionally wear skirts or gowns that reach just below the knee. This is accompanied with a waistcloth and a jacket with long sleeves and intricate embroidery. Hair is typically pulled back into a bun by females.
A woven petticoat with a linen blouse makes up the Tangsa Tribe’s traditional attire in Arunachal Pradesh.
Monpas Tribe
Women of the Monpas Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh traditionally wear a sleeveless chemise and a long jacket. They typically dress in a long woolen dress known as a “shamthok” that is adorned with elaborate patterns.
Lower Kamla Valley tribe
Women commonly wear their hair in a knot high above their foreheads. These women are distinguished by their distinctive cane-ringed crinoline.
Aptana Tribe
Women of the Aptana tribe often have a tattoo of blue stripes running from the crown of their heads to the tip of their noses. Dilling refers to the orderly arrangement of hair on top of the head, and an Adding Akh cuts across the Dilling.
Bridal dress
Different Arunachal Pradesh tribes have different wedding traditions. In these communities, women’s opinions on marriage are highly valued.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the bridal costume is known as Baku. The blouse of bride is customized with finest silk and has a loose fit; the belt cinches in the waist and creates an hourglass silhouette for the bride.
Traditional dress of men
Tangsa Tribe
Men here of Tangsa tribe wear distinctive yet uncomplicated traditional garb. The sleeveless ‘hawoi’ jacket is typically worn by the women of the group, and it may be found in a variety of colors and fabrics, including red, blue, or black. A ‘phali’ is a piece of cloth worn around the waist or over one shoulder, and it is worn with the jacket.
Monpas Tribe
Monpas tribe dress of men wear traditionally striking garments. Their traditional garment, known as a shamthok, is woven from wool and features elaborate patterns.
The dress is commonly found in a range of colors, including red, blue, and maroon. The men also don a jacket called kho, which is typically sewn from silk or cotton & decorated with vibrant embroidery. A shawl known as a lungser, typically made of silk, is worn with the dress and jacket.
Shredupken tribe
They wear dress in a manner that is understatedly sophisticated. The ‘gyasuk’ is a long-sleeved shirt composed of cotton and woven with brightly colored stripes. Cotton ‘shuka’ cloths in vibrant hues red, orange, & blue are worn around the legs and waist to complement the shirt.
Their ‘tara’ headdress is crafted from bamboo and adorned with feathers & beads. The Sherdukpen people’s traditional clothing is a stunning expression of their unique culture and history.
Bridegroom dress
The groom in Arunachal Pradesh wears a long cloak and natural jewelry, such as stones, to his wedding. They wear a skull cap made of yak hide.
Conclusion
Arunachal Pradesh’s vibrant cultural history and diversity are reflected in the variety of garments worn by its citizens. The people here take great pride in their customary attire, which are an aesthetic triumph and a powerful symbol of their culture and identity.
Their clothes, with their elaborate patterns, bright colors, and wide variety of styles, are an expression of the state’s natural and cultural splendor.