Khamen Chatpa

An illustrated design of a typical "Khamen Chatpa"
Meitei men wearing the "Khamen Chatpa" loinclothes

Khamen Chatpa is a traditional Meitei white silk loincloth (pheijom), mainly made with purple patterns of scrolls stamped on it by means of wooden blocks, worn by men. It is worn especially during the festival of Lai Haraoba in Manipur (Kangleipak). During the days of monarchy, it might not be worn by people of inferior rankings, but the royalties generally might wear it at their pleasures. On auspicious occasions, the king used to honor his subjects by gifting or awarding the Khamen Chatpa. It was a special privilege not achieved by common people. However, it is one of the particular dress codes of the amaibas. The pena singers are also free to wear the Khamen Chatpa, made with impressed designs in purple or maroon colours.

References

  1. ↑ Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (2020-11-25). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-000-29629-7.
  2. ↑ Lisam, Khomdan Singh (2011). Encyclopaedia Of Manipur (3 Vol.). Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-7835-864-2.
  3. ↑ Meitei, Mayanglambam Mangangsana (2021-06-06). The Sound of Pena in Manipur. Marjing Mayanglambam. ISBN 978-93-5473-655-1.
  4. ↑ Phuritshabam, Chaoba; Ningombam, Shreema; Haripriya, Soibam (2015-07-06). Tattooed with Taboos: An Anthology of Poetry by Three Women from Northeast India. Partridge Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4828-4851-9.
  5. ↑ Gajrani, S. (2004). History, Religion and Culture of India. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8205-065-5.
  6. ↑ Sana, Raj Kumar Somorjit (2010). The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs: From 1666 CE to 1850 CE. Waikhom Ananda Meetei. ISBN 978-81-8465-210-9.
  7. ↑ Lokendra, N. (1998-01-01). The Unquiet Valley: Society, Economy, and Politics of Manipur (1891-1950). Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-696-5.
  8. ↑ Chaudhury, Sukant Kumar (2006-01-01). Culture, Ecology, and Sustainable Development. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-8324-132-8.
  9. ↑ Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi. Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. Lulu.com. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.