Discover the Luxurious Assamese Tradition Blend

ABOUT MEKHELA CHADOR

The Chador Mekhela is a traditional Assamese outfit worn by women in Assam, India. It is a graceful and elegant attire that holds cultural significance, especially during festivals, weddings, and other important occasions. The outfit consists of two main components: Mekhela and Chador, which are draped in a specific way.

1. Mekhela: This is a wrap-around skirt that is worn from the waist to the ankles. It is often made of silk, cotton, or other fine fabrics, and it is usually adorned with intricate designs and borders. The mekhela is pleated and tied at the waist using a drawstring or ribbon, with the fabric gathered to create a flowing, graceful look.

2. Chador: The chador is a long piece of cloth, often around 3 to 5 meters in length. It is draped over the shoulders and across the body, either covering the chest or flowing over the shoulder in a similar fashion to a shawl. The chador is typically adorned with delicate patterns, such as Assamese motifs like the "xorai" (a traditional offering tray) or floral designs, which are handwoven in traditional Assamese silk.

Fabric and Weaving

The fabric used for making the mekhela chador is often Assamese silk, particularly Muga silk, which is renowned for its natural golden color and sheen. Eri silk and Pat silk are also used in the making of the mekhela chador. These silks are handwoven in Assam by skilled artisans and are known for their quality and intricacy. The traditional Assamese weaving technique, called "assamese pat", is used to create stunning patterns and borders.

Styling and Draping

• The mekhela is worn by wrapping it around the waist, with pleats tucked into a waistband.
• The chador is draped across the shoulder, one end is thrown over the shoulder, and the other is wrapped around the body. The draping technique varies from region to region and individual style.
• A blouse, known as a "choli", is worn under the chador, often designed to complement the outfit.

Occasions

• Weddings: The mekhela chador is a popular bridal attire in Assam, with intricate embroidery and rich fabrics used for weddings.
• Festivals: It is often worn during festivals such as Bihu, the most celebrated festival of Assam, where women wear mekhela chadors in vibrant colors and beautiful designs to mark the occasion.

Overall, the Chador Mekhela is a symbol of Assamese culture and tradition, representing both beauty and heritage, worn with pride by women in Assam.