Sisters shine with computerised embroidery works
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 28 2020: In this computerised world, with the help of computerised embroidery machine outlining different patterns and designs in bedsheets, shirts and tops and borders of Phanek Mayek Naiba etc can generate a regular and profitable source of income as it has eased the embroidery works manifold.

For the married women of Manipur, Phanek Mayek Naiba becomes an inevitable part be it for wedding, Lai Haraoba and other special occasions since time immemorial.

In olden days the womenfolk used to hand embroider the borders of Mayek Naiba especially 'muga phige phanek' and sell it.

Sisters shine with computerised embroidery works

It took around one and a half months and sometimes more since it used to be a detailed work.

Then came the time for electric or normal Sewing machines where one used to embroider the Phanek Mayek Naiba which took less time depending on the work pace of the individual.

Embroidery used to be a major source of income for women of the State.

In today's computer world, with the help of a computer or mobile phone people google or youtube for quick means to earn money.

The advanced countries with the help of science and technology have invented many machines in a quick span of time to make life more easy that helps in generating huge amounts of money.

Though a little late in Manipur, since the past few years good quality computerised embroidery machines which have been imported from different countries and States of India have helped in producing different sorts of embroidered clothes.

Our reporter visited MS Chaning Embroidery and Ironers in Khongman Mayai Leikai Zone IV in Imphal East district.

The owner of the place is 29 year old Ningombam Chaningkhombi daughter of Ningombam Hemchand and Ningombam Pramo.

She has opened the embroidery centre at her own residence and around five people work there.

Beautiful patterns are embroidered in bedsheets and Phanek Mayek Naiba with the help of the computer.

Speaking to our reporter, Ningombam Sanarik Chaning the elder sister of Chaningkhombi stated that they are five siblings, all girls.

She is an international hockey player currently working as a chief officer in Western Railways in Mumbai.

She purchased a second hand computerised embroidery machine costing around Rs 2.5 lakh in 2018 and set up the machine to help in providing a regular source of income for her younger unemployed sisters and the embroidery work started since then.

They take the help of google and youtube on how to operate the machine in times of need and take help from others who have knowledge on the same.

Chaningkhombi the proprietor of the place said that she had never done embroidery works however she took the help* of one of her friends in designing the patterns.

She added that computer knowledge is a must for this type of embroidery work.

One can customise the patterns as per one's choice with the help of a monitor attached to the machine.

Around ten phaneks can be embroidered in a day but cannot work till late night due to the sound of the machines which may disturb the neighbourhood.

The charge of the embroidery varies but the normal rate is around Rs 500 per piece.

Orders are received in bulk during festive seasons like Ningol Chakkouba and wedding season.

The trend of computerised embroidery in Manipur is picking up at a fast rate as it takes less time and new machines are being invented for the same, she stated.