'Customising Potloi undermines its cultural and traditional values'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 02 2021: In one's life, the wedding is considered to be the most auspicious and sacred occasion.

The attire worn by the bride and groom in a wedding reflects one's culture and tradition and is of great importance.

In Meitei society, a bride adorns the 'Potloi' or 'Phanek Mapal Naiba' .

When the bride wears Potloi, the colour of the Potloi should be red, 'Lisol Furit' (suede blouse) should be green and 'Innaphi' (shawl) white.

This particular colour combination has its own significance and it has been carried on since many years.

But nowadays with the changing trends, the colour and pattern of the potloi have been customised to a great extent wherein one is using any colour and patterns according to their preference.

The older generation, specially those who prefer and have been maintaining the traditional style, is highly worried that the actual identity of the potloi may be lost if the infusion of random designs continues.

The new trend poses a serious threat to the traditional potloi which has been there for generations.

Speaking to our reporter, Laishram Sarat Singh (a traditional Potloi maker) said that Potloi is associated with Bhakti Ras and embodies the picture of a disciplined culture.

But with the addition of random patterns, design and colour and influence of other societies have distorted the acclaimed attire.

Emphasising on the significance of the pattern and colour combination which has an in-depth meaning of their own, Sarat said that 'Red' colour of the potloi signifies the Kali Shakti, 'Green' colour of the suede blouse signifies nature and the 'White' colour of the inaphi (shawl) carries a pledge that she will take care of the new family members with love and care.

In olden days, wearing of green colour Potloi was prohibited since it was worn by Radhika who had the power to bear the pain and sufferings since she was a Goddess.

However the brides of Kakching Khunou used to wear green Potloi but now they have started wearing the red ones.

Talking about the pattern embroidered in the Potloi, Sarat said that the sacred pattern of Pakhangba is also included in Potloi.

The numerous mirror works and patterns in a Potloi signify the colour of the stomach of Pakhangba and its back respectively.

But nowadays the border of the mirror works of Potloi have been distorted by the current generation defying its actual look.

The shape of Potloi existed since time immemorial and the pattern of the Potloi is considered to be infused during Rajshree Bhagyachandra's reign from the dress of Laiphadabi (doll).

During olden days, 'Kajenglei' (traditional Meitei head gear worn by women) was worn with Potloi as well and the green suede blouse was known as Khemji and was embroidered with Konggol.

The wearing of various accessories by a bride on her head started around 1970s.The necklaces worn by a bride consisted of Marei, Nganggoi, Heiyai Thinbi, Sandrembi, two sets of Heibi Mapal.

Sarat further elaborated that the base cloth of potloi is handled with utmost care while washing and is dipped in starch, dried properly and then only, the hand embroidery work starts.

But nowadays the base cloth is replaced by rubber which has made the work very easy.

Lastly he urged the younger generation who have taken up the art of Potloi making to maintain and preserve its traditional style, uniqueness and importance.

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