Rigwnai

Rigwnai is the traditional dress of Tripuri women, the indigenous inhabitants of Tripura. It is similar to the traditional dresses of other indigenous communities in the north-eastern Indian states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram. It is worn by wrapping it around the waist. Sometimes it is worn with "risa" which is a piece of cloth wrapped around the bust. It is mostly worn by the "debbarma" tribes and by other tribes in Tripura. A similar kind of rigwnai is worn by Manipuris and Mizos.

A pattern of rigwnai worn by the Debbarmas. Picture by Pankaj Debbarma

Another beautiful pattern of rigwnai of the Debbarmas. Picture by Pankaj Debbarma

Rigwnai is a wrap-around worn by Tripuri women.

A young Tripuri woman wearing rigwnai and risa

The most common kind of rigwnai is called the "Chamathwi bar" and comprises white cloth bordered by maroon or other colors. The "Chamathwi bar" is worn during important occasions like wedding ceremonies and festivals like Goria Puja and Hangrai.