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Mangani Chakouba

Mangani Chakouba

The jewel of the Northeast, Manipur, has wedding traditions that are steeped in tradition. A key ceremony in Manipuri weddings is the Mangani Chakouba, held five days after the nuptials. In this post-wedding ceremony, the couple visits the bride’s home for the first time after marriage. This festive event symbolises their integration into each other's families and is commemorated with a lavish banquet. The Mangani Chakouba, also referred to as Mapam Chakouba marks the bride's return to her maternal home after her wedding. The highlight of the event is a luncheon prepared by the bride’s family for the couple, the groom's family, and their close friends. The lunch typically includes a variety of Meitei delicacies and modern dishes. Preparations for the Mangani Chakouba include a few rituals leading up to the event. The day following the wedding, the bride’s mother visits her daughter since it is customarily prohibited on the wedding day itself. The newlywed couple hosts a quaint tea gathering with refreshments for their visitors. On the day of the Mangani Chakouba, a tradition known as "phiruk kaiba" takes place. During this ritual, the bride’s mother and other relatives gather to open a cupboard and discuss the future prospects of the bride and groom. This act marks the final step before lunch. The concluding ceremony of a Meitei wedding is Tha phaba. After one month has passed the bride’s family hosts another lunch at her home for her and her new family. This gathering aims to strengthen ties between both families and encourage warmth and affection.

Cultural Significance

Mangani Chakouba is a ceremony where both families and guests come together for a feast. The menu includes fish dishes and authentic Manipuri cuisine. Guests also offer gifts such as rice, meat, poultry, pigs, money, or drinks to bless the newlyweds on their journey into life.

The Mangani Chakouba tradition symbolises the enduring connection between the bride and her parental family. When the bride and groom visit the bride’s home, it serves as a gesture highlighting the significance of family ties in Manipuri culture. This act reminds everyone that despite the bride moving to a household, her bond with her family remains strong and meaningful. The gathering allows both families to unite joyfully, fostering a sense of togetherness and respect.

The feast is a key aspect of the Mangani Chakouba, which showcases Manipur's culinary heritage. The communal meal featuring Meitei dishes represents hospitality and the happiness of sharing moments during life milestones. The gifts given to the newlyweds at the Mangani Chakouba also hold meaning. Items like rice, meat, and alcohol are not just presents but symbols of prosperity, abundance, and good luck. These offerings are intended to bestow blessings upon the couple for a joyful life ahead. The Mangani Chakouba celebration in Manipuri Weddings is a tribute to love, family bonds, and community spirit. 

Fashioning Tradition

Traditional outfits are quite popular for celebrations like the Mangani Chakouba as they add cultural pride to the event. The bride typically wears an Inaphi and Phanek, traditional garments made with textile and embroidery styles unique to the state. The Inaphi is a cloth wrapped around the upper body like a shawl. It is usually made from soft, semi-transparent fabric in serene, pastel colours. A modern variation of the Inaphi is the Rani Phi, which appeals to the more modern Manipuri bride. It is made with silk threads, modern dyes, and different motifs, offering a contemporary twist to the traditional garment.

The Phanek is similar to a sarong or wrap-around skirt and is handwoven on loin looms using cotton, silk, or synthetic fabrics. Traditional Phaneks are block-printed and usually feature flat colours or stripes.

The Mayek Naibi is a special variant of the Phanek, which has heavy embroidery that elevates the ensemble. If she wants to try something different from the Inaphi, the bride can wear a Lai Phi and Chin Phi. The Lai Phi is a beautiful white piece of cloth with yellow borders, while the Chin Phi is a blouse to go along with a phanek. 

As for the groom, traditional clothing typically consists of a kurta paired with a dhoti. The Manipuri dhoti, influenced by Bengali fashion, is a piece of silk fabric that is wrapped around the waist in a draped pant style. The modern groom can wear his kurta with a Nehru or Bundi jacket for a stylish look. For an even more contemporary look, he can wear a smart suit or blazer as well. These contemporary choices blend elegance with traditional values. Accessories such as watches, footwear, such as Kolhapuri or Jodhpuri shoes, and occasionally a light shawl draped over the shoulders complete the groom's look.

Jewellery & Accessories

The bride often wears a variety of jewellery pieces to enhance her look on her wedding day. One of the standout items is the Likchow, a long one-strand necklace with gold beads. This necklace is paired with timeless ornaments like the Likhsoi and Khownappi, which bring grace and charm to the bride’s ensemble. The Heibi Mapal, a layered gold neckpiece, also elevates the bride’s overall appearance.

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