The Jewel of Assam : Mekhela Chador
Assamese Jewel
Assam, since ancient times, was renowned for
producing high quality silk. The well-known Muga Silk, which is a variety of
wild silk is geographically labelled to the state of Assam in India.
In a state where beauty lurks in every corner,
from it’s jade green tea gardens to being a home to the great Indian one horned
Rhinoceros, Assam has captured the hearts of many and more. Furthermore, it is
also popular for its traditional dress
style, Mekhela Chador, otherwise known as Mekhela Sador.
Designs and Drape
The acclaimed Mekhela Chador is an absolute jewel of Assamese as it’s pattern consists of ornamental designs that are traditionally woven, but never printed. Occasionally, a woven pattern called Pari is on the side of the chador to make the dress look more appealing while still being in its natural state.
The Mekhela Chador has a very unique and
extraordinary style of draping. There are two main pieces of cloth that are
draped around the body. The bottom half of this Assamese dress is called the
‘Mekhela’ which is worn over a petticoat, while the top of the dress known as
‘Chador’ is a lengthy piece of material that is plaited and tugged into the
upper portion of the Mekhela. A fitted blouse over the Mekhela Chador completes
the attire of an Assamese drape/dress.
Materials
The clweaved
from pure cotton, Muga silk, Pat silk and Eri silk. These raw materials dominates the Mekhela dress piece and gives
the saree it’s custom and age-old look.
Journey of Mekhela Chadors
The
magnificent and unique saree, which was formerly only worn by women in Assam,
had travelled a long journey to define it’s beauty and worth in the Bollywood
industry and modern lifestyle. Actresses like Preity Zinta, Bipasha Basu,
Karishma Kapoor and many more, have made their appearance wearing this
traditional drape, and had managed to ground the style of this Assamese jewel all over India. Lakme, the
fashion brand, had also introduced the Mekhela Chador in their Lakme Fashion
Week and ever since then, Mekhela Chador’s journey has been unstoppable.
