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The Enchanting Traditional Attire of the Garo Community
An ethnic group with Tibeto-Burmese origins, the Garos, predominantly reside in the north-eastern Indian states of Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, and Nagaland, along with certain adjacent areas in Bangladesh. Historically, the term 'Garo' encompasses various communities situated along the southern banks of the river Brahmaputra. However, it now primarily denotes those who identify themselves as A'chik Mande, a term translating to 'hill people' (A'chik, meaning 'bite soil', and Mande, meaning 'people'). The Garo community boasts of a vibrant and unique cultural heritage that is beautifully reflected in their traditional attire.
Garo boy & girl in their Traditional Dress. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Garo girls wearing traditional dress during Awe festival at Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Garo Women
The Dakmanda is the traditional dress of Garo women. It comprises a two-piece ensemble - a blouse-like top and a wrap-around skirt known as Dakmanda. The Dakmanda is a decorative rectangular cloth in raw cotton, intricately woven by hand and elegantly draped around the lower body of a woman, varying in length from knee-length to ankle-length. This piece possesses broad borders around 6 to 10 inches thick with floral patterns, and with wide horizontal stripes and other ornate patterns adorned on them. The lower section of the Dakmanda features a border embellished with traditional concentric diamond motifs, commonly known as 'Mikron' meaning 'the eye' in Garo. Geometric designs, including straight lines, zig-zags, and crosses, are distinctive characteristics within the weave.
In the past, each household possessed a loin loom, and women wore a minimalistic loincloth referred to as an 'eking.' This design was cleverly executed, with ivory beads used to weigh down the hem, ensuring it remained securely in place. Women wore the eking without a blouse or top, accompanied only by neck jewellery. However, the eking eventually faded from use, and Dakmandas emerged as the preferred attire. Traditionally, Dakmandas are woven using yarns derived from a type of long-staple cotton named 'Kilding' in Garo. Usually, the outfit is accompanied by a shawl named Chador, which is similarly embellished with embroidery and beadwork.
The majority of women can be observed donning 'Daksaris', a wraparound garment commonly worn indoors and outdoors as well. In contrast to the Dakmanda, the Daksari embodies a sense of utmost simplicity and modesty and its cost-effectiveness positions it as one of the most frequently chosen garments within the Garo populace. Another alternate variation of the wrap-around skirt is referred to as the 'Gana.' This version too is characterized by its simplicity and being shorter in length, it is commonly worn at home during various chores and daily activities. In addition to these garments, women complete their traditional ensemble with a matching headband named the 'Kotip.' Crafted from cotton fabric and adorned with delicate beadwork, the 'Kotip' adds a final touch of elegance to their attire.
Garo women in their traditional dress during Wangala, a harvest festival celebrated by the Garo tribe. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Garo man in his traditional dress. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Garo Men
Men are often observed wearing a 'Gando', a waistcloth with brass plates, measuring approximately 6-7 feet in length and spanning 6 inches in width. It features traditional motifs such as concentric diamonds referred to as 'Mikron'. Local males also adopt the use of a 'Kotip' headband, crafted from dark blue or white cotton and adorned with beadwork. Another element of the male traditional outfit is the 'Pandra' - a cloth that criss-crosses the wearer's chest. The people of the Garo tribe wear a necklace known as 'Rigitok', which consists of thin fluted stems of glass strung with fine thread. This is worn by both the men and the women on various occasions.
The traditional garments worn by the Garo people not only exemplify their rich history and artistic skills but also signify their deep connection with nature and their distinct way of life.
Garo men & women in their traditional dress during Wangala, a harvest festival celebrated by the Garo tribe. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
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