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ToggleTripura, a northeastern gem of India, is home to rich traditions that are beautifully reflected in its clothing. The state’s traditional attire is a vibrant testament to the cultural diversity of its indigenous tribes, including the Tripuri, Reang, Jamatia, and others.
Each garment is deeply rooted in tradition, with handwoven textiles that display stunning craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Whether it’s the elegant Rignai and Risa worn by women, or the practical yet symbolic Kamchwlwi Borok donned by men, Tripura’s attire plays a vital role in the preservation of its heritage.
These dresses not only serve as daily wear but also hold ceremonial importance, especially during festivals like Garia Puja and weddings.
In this blog, we explore Tripura’s top 10 traditional dresses, showcasing their cultural significance, craftsmanship, and modern adaptations.
How Does Traditional Tripura Attire Reflect Its Cultural Identity?
Traditional attire in Tripura is more than just clothing. It is a profound expression of the state’s cultural identity.
The garments worn by the Tripuri people reflect their deep connection to nature, with designs inspired by their surroundings, like geometric patterns representing mountains or symbols from tribal folklore.
Clothing like the Rignai, Risa, and Kamchwlwi Borok serve as markers of tribal identity and heritage, especially during festivals and ceremonies.
These garments are handwoven using techniques passed down through generations, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship in preserving cultural traditions.
The vibrant colours and intricate patterns not only highlight the artistic talent of local weavers but also communicate the cultural pride of Tripura’s Indigenous communities.
In modern times, these traditional garments continue to evolve while retaining their cultural essence, allowing the people of Tripura to maintain their identity in a rapidly changing world.
Why Are Festivals Important for Traditional Dress in Tripura?
Festivals in Tripura serve as a stage for showcasing the state’s traditional attire, with each festival providing a context in which these garments take on heightened cultural and symbolic importance.
For example, during Garia Puja, which celebrates the harvest and honours the deity Garia, traditional dresses like the Rignai for women and the Kamchwlwi Borok for men are worn to mark the occasion.
These garments are not just ceremonial but also reflect the values of the community, including reverence for nature, unity, and tribal pride.
Festivals offer an opportunity for people to reconnect with their roots, as traditional garments are often worn during rituals, dances, and other cultural performances.
In these moments, attire becomes a form of storytelling, with each pattern and colour representing aspects of the state’s history, beliefs, and way of life.
How is the Craft of Weaving Preserved in Tripura’s Traditional Attire?
Weaving is an essential part of Tripura’s cultural heritage, passed down through generations of artisans who have mastered this intricate craft.
Traditional garments like the Rignai, Risa, and Pachhra are made using traditional handlooms, where local weavers employ age old techniques to create textiles with tribal motifs, geometric patterns, and vibrant colors.
This craftsmanship reflects not only the artistic skill of the weavers but also their connection to their community’s cultural stories and symbols.
Efforts to preserve these skills are supported by local governments and initiatives that encourage the production of handwoven textiles.
Additionally, many young artisans are now learning these weaving techniques to ensure that the craft remains alive in modern Tripura.
While modernization has introduced machine-made fabrics, the demand for authentic handwoven garments remains strong, especially during festivals and cultural celebrations.
How Do Tripura’s Traditional Dresses Reflect Its Tribal Diversity?
Tripura’s traditional dresses are a rich tapestry of the state’s tribal diversity, with each tribe bringing its unique designs, techniques, and patterns to the fabrics they wear.
For example, the Rignai and Risa worn by Tripuri women are distinct from the garments worn by the Reang or Jamatia tribes, each with variations in colour, design, and weaving style.
These differences reflect the diverse cultural beliefs, practices, and environments of the tribes.
While the Rignai of one tribe may feature bold, contrasting stripes, another tribe’s version might use more muted colours or geometric patterns.
This diversity in clothing highlights how each tribe maintains its unique identity while contributing to the collective cultural richness of the state.
The celebration of this diversity through clothing is especially visible during festivals, where various tribes showcase their traditional attire in vibrant displays of unity and pride.
What Role Does Gender Play in the Traditional Clothing of Tripura?
Gender plays a significant role in the traditional clothing of Tripura, with distinct garments designed for men and women that reflect their roles and status within the community.
Women’s attire, such as the Rignai and Risa, is often more elaborate, with intricate patterns, bright colours, and detailed embroidery.
These garments are not only functional but also symbolize fertility, prosperity, and a connection to nature.
On the other hand, men’s clothing, such as the Kamchwlwi Borok and Dhuti, is simpler and more practical, designed for both daily work and ceremonial occasions.
However, these garments also carry cultural significance, with specific designs and colours denoting tribal identity or status.
The differences in attire highlight the cultural values placed on gender roles within Tripuri society, where clothing serves as both a practical and symbolic element of daily life and ritual.
How is Tripura’s Traditional Clothing Adapting to Modern Fashion Trends?
Tripura’s traditional clothing has begun to adapt to modern fashion trends while still maintaining its cultural essence.
For daily wear, contemporary versions of traditional garments like the Rignai and Kamchwlwi Borok are being designed with lighter fabrics and simplified patterns to suit modern lifestyles.
Younger generations are blending traditional and modern styles, incorporating Tripuri motifs into more versatile, everyday clothing.
At the same time, traditional dresses remain an essential part of ceremonial and festival attire, with more elaborate versions still being handwoven for special occasions.
Fashion designers and artisans in Tripura are also working to bring traditional clothing into the global spotlight, creating fusion designs that appeal to modern tastes without losing the essence of the state’s rich cultural heritage.
This balance between tradition and innovation ensures that Tripura’s traditional clothing remains relevant in today’s fashion landscape.
Top 10 Tripura Traditional Dress
1. Rignai
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The Rignai is the quintessential dress of Tripuri women, a wraparound skirt that reaches the ankles. It is worn primarily by the Tripuri and Reang tribes, symbolizing their cultural pride.
Traditionally, the Rignai is handwoven using cotton or silk, featuring vibrant patterns with contrasting colours.
The designs often include stripes and intricate tribal motifs that represent the natural surroundings of the community.
This garment is commonly worn for everyday activities, but during festivals and ceremonies, more decorative versions are donned.
The length and style make it both comfortable for the warm climate and culturally significant, as it has been passed down through generations.
The Rignai is usually paired with the Riha, a wrap for the upper body, or a modern blouse.
Rignai Dress Details
Feature | Description |
Dress Name | Rignai (wraparound skirt) |
Cultural Significance | Worn by Tripuri and Reang women during festivals and daily life, reflecting their heritage and tribal identity. |
Fabric & Textiles | Cotton or silk, handwoven by local artisans. |
Design Features | Long wraparound skirt with vibrant stripes or motifs reaching the ankles. |
Color Palette | Bright colours like red, black, and yellow, with bold borders. |
Wearing Style | Wrapped around the waist, paired with a blouse or Riha. |
Occasions for Use | Daily wear, religious festivals, and cultural ceremonies. |
Accessories | Paired with silver earrings, necklaces, and traditional beadwork. |
Craftsmanship | Handwoven using traditional techniques passed down through generations. |
Cultural Importance | It represents Tripuri tribal culture, especially on festive occasions. |
Modern Variations | Shorter lengths and lighter materials are used for contemporary styles. |
Seasonal Adaptation | Lighter cotton is used in summer; heavier wool is used in winter. |
Pattern and Embroidery | Tribal motifs inspired by nature, often featuring geometric designs. |
Influence of Local Tribes | The Reang and Jamatia tribes have unique weaving techniques that enrich Rignai designs. |
2. Risa
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The Risa is an upper-body garment traditionally worn with the Rignai. It is a long piece of cloth that is either draped or wrapped around the chest.
The Risa is more than just a functional garment; it has ceremonial value, often being presented to women during rites of passage like marriage.
The fabric is typically woven with bright colours and intricate designs, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and the community’s connection to nature.
The handwoven patterns on the Risa are symbolic and often passed down through generations.
Modern women sometimes wear the Risa with contemporary blouses, merging tradition with modernity.
It serves as a marker of social status and is especially important during weddings and festivals.
Risa Dress Details
Feature | Description |
Dress Name | Risa (upper body wrap) |
Cultural Significance | Given to women during marriage or festive events, symbolizing social status and prosperity. |
Fabric & Textiles | Cotton or silk, handwoven with traditional looms. |
Design Features | Long rectangular cloth wrapped around the chest, usually with intricate woven patterns. |
Color Palette | Bold colours such as red, blue, and black, often with geometric borders. |
Wearing Style | Draped over the chest, secured in layers. |
Occasions for Use | Festivals, marriages, and traditional ceremonies. |
Accessories | Paired with heavy necklaces, bangles, and headgear during festive events. |
Craftsmanship | Complex weaving is done by tribal women, with symbolic patterns passed down through generations. |
Cultural Importance | Holds ceremonial significance and represents women’s roles in Tripuri society. |
Modern Variations | Worn with blouses in contemporary settings. |
Seasonal Adaptation | Light fabrics are used for summer, and thicker textiles are used for ceremonial use in winter. |
Pattern and Embroidery | Features symbols of prosperity, fertility, and protection are woven into the fabric. |
Influence of Local Tribes | The design and fabric vary among tribes, adding richness to the cultural diversity of the garment. |
3. Rikutu
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Rikutu is a traditional shawl-like cloth worn by women, usually during colder months. It is often draped over the shoulders or the upper body and offers warmth while maintaining cultural aesthetics.
The Rikutu’s fabric is heavy and woven from natural fibres, making it ideal for winter. Although its design is relatively simple, the borders may include intricate patterns representing tribal artistry.
Women wear Rikutu during religious festivals, particularly those held in the winter season. It is often used as additional layering over ceremonial attire like the Rignai and Risa.
The cloth can vary in length but generally covers the upper body and is tied securely.
Rikutu Dress Details
Feature | Description |
Dress Name | Rikutu (shawl-like wrap) |
Cultural Significance | Used for warmth and decoration during colder seasons, particularly during festivals. |
Fabric & Textiles | Heavier textiles like wool or cotton are often handwoven. |
Design Features | Large rectangular wrap used over the shoulders or upper body. |
Color Palette | Earthy tones like brown, black, and red with decorative borders. |
Wearing Style | Draped over the upper body, often secured around the shoulders. |
Occasions for Use | Winter festivals, religious ceremonies, and daily wear. |
Accessories | Worn with traditional bead necklaces and silver jewellery. |
Craftsmanship | Made with heavier materials using handlooms, showcasing tribal craftsmanship. |
Cultural Importance | Represents practical yet culturally significant attire for colder months. |
Modern Variations | Lighter versions are available for more temperate weather. |
Seasonal Adaptation | Thick wool is used for winter, and lighter cotton versions are available for warmer months. |
Pattern and Embroidery | Minimalistic patterns, with detailed borders influenced by tribal art. |
Influence of Local Tribes | Different tribes use varying weaving techniques to craft Rikutu for practical and ceremonial use. |
4. Pachhra
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The Pachhra is a saree-like garment worn primarily during special occasions like weddings or cultural festivals. It is shorter in length compared to a traditional saree but is wrapped similarly.
Women in Tripura favour the Pachhra for its versatility and elegance, often embellishing it with intricate designs.
This garment is often made from silk or high-quality cotton and is passed down through generations as a family heirloom.
The Pachhra is traditionally adorned with bold patterns that reflect the vibrant culture of the Tripuri people, making it a standout outfit for special occasions.
Pachhra Dress Details
Feature | Description |
Dress Name | Pachhra (short saree) |
Cultural Significance | Worn during weddings and cultural festivals, symbolizing tradition and elegance. |
Fabric & Textiles | Silk or fine cotton, adorned with bold designs. |
Design Features | A shorter version of the saree, wrapped around the waist with intricate patterns. |
Color Palette | Bright and bold, often with red, green, and yellow. |
Wearing Style | Draped like a saree, with no pleats, securing it at the waist. |
Occasions for Use | Marriages, religious festivals, and important cultural events. |
Accessories | Paired with gold jewellery, bangles, and anklets. |
Craftsmanship | Typically handwoven, using traditional looms and designs. |
Cultural Importance | An important garment for ceremonies, representing the heritage of Tripura. |
Modern Variations | Lighter fabrics are used for less formal events. |
Seasonal Adaptation | Silk versions are for winter, and lighter cotton is for summer. |
Pattern and Embroidery | It features elaborate patterns and designs that reflect tribal heritage. |
Influence of Local Tribes | Designs vary across different tribes, showcasing the diversity of Tripuri craftsmanship. |
5. Rinai Borok
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The Rinai Borok is a more elaborate and decorative version of the Rignai, often worn by Tripuri women during festivals or important occasions.
This garment is handwoven, using high-quality materials like silk and cotton, making it suitable for both daily wear and ceremonial events.
The intricate designs woven into the fabric often tell stories from tribal folklore, reflecting the rich cultural history of the region.
This outfit typically covers the lower half of the body, similar to the Rignai, but is layered more generously, giving a more formal appearance.
The detailed patterns and vibrant colours, including reds and blacks, symbolize prosperity and tribal pride.
Women usually pair the Rinai Borok with matching Risa or contemporary blouses, enhancing the traditional aesthetic.
Rinai Borok Dress Details
Feature | Description |
Dress Name | Rinai Borok (layered wrap skirt) |
Cultural Significance | Worn during cultural festivals and ceremonies, symbolizing tradition and prosperity. |
Fabric & Textiles | Handwoven cotton or silk with intricate designs. |
Design Features | A longer, layered version of the Rignai, with intricate tribal patterns. |
Color Palette | Reds and blacks are often paired with intricate borders. |
Wearing Style | Wrapped around the waist and secured with multiple layers for a formal look. |
Occasions for Use | Ceremonial events, such as weddings and cultural festivals. |
Accessories | Paired with silver jewellery, including bangles, earrings, and anklets. |
Craftsmanship | Handcrafted by women using traditional weaving methods. |
Cultural Importance | Represents the wealth and status of women in Tripuri society. |
Modern Variations | Shorter and simpler versions are available for daily wear. |
Seasonal Adaptation | Heavier versions are for winter, and lighter ones are for summer festivals. |
Pattern and Embroidery | Elaborate patterns symbolizing prosperity and tribal heritage. |
Influence of Local Tribes | Unique weaving techniques from various Tripuri tribes are incorporated into the Rinai Borok. |
6. Kamchwlwi Borok
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The Kamchwlwi Borok is a staple traditional dress worn by Tripuri men. It is a short jacket or shirt, often crafted from vibrant red and black fabrics.
This jacket, adorned with tribal patterns, is commonly worn during daily activities and cultural events. Its lightweight fabric makes it ideal for Tripura’s hot and humid climate.
Men wear this jacket as part of their everyday attire, but more elaborately designed versions are worn during festive occasions.
The geometric patterns on the Kamchwlwi Borok symbolize tribal identity and the wearer’s connection to their cultural roots.
Kamchwlwi Borok Dress Details
Feature | Description |
Dress Name | Kamchwlwi Borok (traditional jacket) |
Cultural Significance | Worn by men for daily wear and during cultural events, symbolizing tribal heritage. |
Fabric & Textiles | Lightweight cotton or silk, handwoven by local artisans. |
Design Features | Short jacket with intricate geometric patterns and tribal designs. |
Color Palette | Primarily red and black, with contrasting designs. |
Wearing Style | Worn as a jacket over a simple shirt, suitable for warm climates. |
Occasions for Use | Daily wear, cultural events, and festivals. |
Accessories | Often paired with headgear like the Kamchi. |
Craftsmanship | Handcrafted using traditional weaving techniques unique to Tripuri culture. |
Cultural Importance | Represents the rich textile tradition of the Tripuri people. |
Modern Variations | Contemporary styles include simpler designs for daily use. |
Seasonal Adaptation | Lighter materials are used for summer, and heavier cotton or wool is used for winter wear. |
Pattern and Embroidery | Tribal motifs featuring geometric shapes and patterns. |
Influence of Local Tribes | Designs and weaving styles vary by tribe, each bringing unique cultural significance. |
7. Rikutu Gamcha with Kubai
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The Rikutu Gamcha is a small piece of cloth worn around the waist, while the Kubai is a traditional cotton shirt. This combination is a popular daily outfit for Tripuri men, especially in rural areas.
The Gamcha resembles a towel and is wrapped tightly around the waist, while the Kubai shirt is loosely worn, providing comfort and practicality in the region’s tropical climate.
Though commonly worn as casual attire, the Rikutu Gamcha and Kubai combination is deeply tied to the traditional identity of the Tripuri tribes.
The garment is typically handwoven from natural fibres, and its simplicity makes it ideal for working outdoors while maintaining cultural dignity.
Rikutu Gamcha and Kubai Dress Details
Feature | Description |
Dress Name | Rikutu Gamcha with Kubai (waist cloth and shirt) |
Cultural Significance | Worn by men in rural Tripura for daily activities, representing simplicity and practicality. |
Fabric & Textiles | Cotton, handwoven by local artisans. |
Design Features | A towel-like waist cloth paired with a simple shirt. |
Color Palette | Earthy tones like brown and white, with minimal designs. |
Wearing Style | Wrapped around the waist with a loose-fitting shirt for comfort. |
Occasions for Use | Common daily wear for men in rural areas. |
Accessories | Occasionally paired with headgear for outdoor work. |
Craftsmanship | Handwoven using traditional looms. |
Cultural Importance | A reflection of rural lifestyle and traditional simplicity. |
Modern Variations | Cotton versions are now available in various colours for modern wear. |
Seasonal Adaptation | Light cotton is for summer; thicker materials are used for cooler weather. |
Pattern and Embroidery | Minimal design, often plain with basic stripes. |
Influence of Local Tribes | Primarily worn by Tripuri tribes across rural areas of Tripura. |
8. Dhuti
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The Dhuti is a traditional garment worn by Tripuri men during formal events, religious ceremonies, and festivals.
Similar to the dhoti worn in other parts of India, the Dhuti is a simple, broad cloth wrapped around the waist and tucked securely.
The use of natural cotton fibers makes it breathable and comfortable in the hot climate.
Traditionally, the Dhuti is worn during important events like Garia Puja, a significant festival in Tripura.
The simplicity and cultural significance of the Dhuti make it a timeless garment, symbolizing purity and spiritual significance in Tripuri culture.
Dhuti Dress Details
Feature | Description |
Dress Name | Dhuti (traditional lower garment) |
Cultural Significance | Worn during festivals and religious ceremonies, symbolizing purity and tradition. |
Fabric & Textiles | Natural cotton, lightweight and breathable. |
Design Features | A broadcloth wrapped around the waist, reaching the ankles. |
Color Palette | Typically white or cream, with minimalistic designs. |
Wearing Style | Wrapped and tucked around the waist, with no need for pleats. |
Occasions for Use | Festivals, religious events, and formal occasions. |
Accessories | Often paired with traditional headgear and sandals. |
Craftsmanship | Handwoven by local artisans using traditional looms. |
Cultural Importance | Worn by men during spiritual and cultural events. |
Modern Variations | Now available in lighter fabrics for casual use. |
Seasonal Adaptation | Cotton versions are for summer; warmer versions are for colder months. |
Pattern and Embroidery | Simple design, with occasional borders or stripes. |
Influence of Local Tribes | Commonly worn by men across various Tripuri tribes during important cultural festivals. |
9. Kamchi
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The Kamchi is a traditional headgear worn by Tripuri men, mainly during outdoor activities or ceremonial occasions. It is a simple cloth tied around the head, providing practical protection from the tropical sun.
While the Kamchi is commonly used as daily wear for farmers and workers, it also holds cultural significance in certain tribal rituals, where specific patterns or colours can denote different tribes or statuses.
Made from light cotton or linen, the Kamchi is often plain, although some versions include minimalistic stripes or geometric designs along the edges.
The cloth is typically white or in neutral shades, making it suitable for pairing with the vibrant colours of other traditional garments like the Kamchwlwi Borok.
The practicality and symbolic value of the Kamchi make it an integral part of men’s traditional attire in Tripura.
Kamchi Dress Details
Feature | Description |
Dress Name | Kimchi (headgear) |
Cultural Significance | Worn as protection from the sun and as part of traditional ceremonies, reflecting tribal identity. |
Fabric & Textiles | Cotton or linen, handwoven by artisans. |
Design Features | Simple cloth head wrap, sometimes featuring stripes or small patterns. |
Color Palette | Neutral shades like white, beige, or grey, with occasional accent colours. |
Wearing Style | Wrapped around the head, tied securely at the back or side. |
Occasions for Use | Daily wear for outdoor activities and ceremonies. |
Accessories | Worn with other traditional garments such as the Kamchwlwi Borok or Dhuti. |
Craftsmanship | Handwoven using traditional looms with minimalistic designs. |
Cultural Importance | Reflects practicality in the rural lifestyle and carries symbolic significance during rituals. |
Modern Variations | Contemporary versions feature lighter fabrics and simpler designs for casual wear. |
Seasonal Adaptation | Light and breathable for summer, suitable for both ceremonial and casual use. |
Pattern and Embroidery | Minimal patterns, usually plain with occasional stripes. |
Influence of Local Tribes | Tribal variations exist, where specific tribes may wear Kamchi in unique ways during festivals or rituals. |
10. Pandri
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The Pandri is a traditional lower garment worn by men, particularly among the Reang tribe of Tripura. It is a small piece of cloth resembling a towel that covers the lower waist.
The simplicity of the Pandri reflects its practical use for daily activities, especially in rural areas, where men perform labor-intensive tasks.
The fabric is typically lightweight, making it comfortable for hot and humid climates.
Though minimalistic in design, the Pandri is essential in maintaining cultural continuity.
It is mainly worn daily but can also be seen during festivals, paired with a traditional upper garment like the Kubai.
The Pandri is handwoven using locally sourced cotton, ensuring its durability and cultural authenticity.
Pandri Dress Details
Feature | Description |
Dress Name | Pandri (waistcloth) |
Cultural Significance | Worn by men from the Reang tribe as everyday attire, representing cultural identity and simplicity. |
Fabric & Textiles | Cotton, handwoven by local artisans. |
Design Features | Small towel-like cloth wrapped around the lower waist. |
Color Palette | Usually plain, in colours like white, beige, or light grey. |
Wearing Style | Wrapped around the waist, it is often paired with an upper garment like the Kubai. |
Occasions for Use | Daily wear for rural work, occasionally worn during festivals. |
Accessories | Paired with simple footwear or headgear like the Kamchi. |
Craftsmanship | Handwoven using traditional looms, designed for comfort and durability. |
Cultural Importance | A reflection of the simple and sustainable lifestyle of rural Tripuri men. |
Modern Variations | Available in lightweight fabrics for added comfort during the summer. |
Seasonal Adaptation | Breathable fabrics for summer; thicker versions are used for cooler months. |
Pattern and Embroidery | Minimalistic designs, often plain with no embroidery. |
Influence of Local Tribes | Primarily worn by the Reang tribe, with slight variations in colour and fabric choices across different regions of Tripura. |
Conclusion
Tripura’s traditional dresses represent far more than just clothing. They are a vivid expression of its people’s deep-rooted cultural identity.
The intricate weaving techniques, vibrant patterns, and unique designs in garments like the Rignai, Risa, and Kamchwlwi Borok reflect centuries of tribal artistry.
These attires have gracefully evolved with time, blending traditional values with contemporary fashion.
Despite modern influences, the cultural essence of Tripura’s clothing remains intact, offering a glimpse into the state’s ancestral heritage.
As we admire these garments, we also appreciate the local artisans’ effort to keep these traditions alive.
Whether worn in daily life or on festive occasions, these dresses celebrate Tripura’s rich history, its connection to nature, and the unity of its diverse tribal communities.
FAQs About Tripura Traditional Dress
What is the Rignai used for?
The Rignai is a wraparound skirt worn by Tripuri women, typically used as both daily wear and during cultural festivals, symbolizing tribal identity and heritage.
What is the significance of the Risa?
The Risa is an upper-body garment worn by women, often presented during marriage ceremonies or festivals, representing prosperity and social status in Tripuri culture.
What do men wear during festivals in Tripura?
Men commonly wear the Kamchwlwi Borok, a traditional jacket, and Dhuti, a lower garment, during religious ceremonies and festivals like Garia Puja.
What fabrics are used in Tripura’s traditional dresses?
Traditional dresses in Tripura are made from cotton or silk, handwoven by artisans using traditional looms, reflecting the state’s rich textile heritage.
Are Tripura’s traditional dresses still worn today?
Yes, traditional dresses are worn during festivals and ceremonies, and contemporary versions are adapted for daily wear, maintaining their cultural significance.
How do Tripura’s traditional dresses differ by tribe?
Different tribes in Tripura, such as the Tripuri, Reang, and Jamatia, have unique weaving techniques and patterns, adding diversity to the state’s traditional attire.