'Khoi Mayek' pattern discussed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 15 2022: Kangleipak Women's Welfare Association organised a one day discussion programme on 'Eikhoi Kanglei Nupigi Phanek Phibanda Lolliba Khoi Mayek" (Khoi Mayek pattern on the border of sarong worn by Manipur women) at Manipur Press Club here on Sunday.

The programme was attended by cultural activist Chana Lukhoi, cultural revivalist Okram Manglem Meetei, Manipur University Prof Dr N Sanatombi, retired IPS officer S Manaobi (Khoiranthaba) and Iboyaima Mangang as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, Association publicity secretary N Jebila Leima remarked that every community is striving for own preservation and development.

This is important especially with the changes brought on by globalisation, she said, while stating that it would be wrong to ignore or neglect the legacy left behind by our forefathers.

Further stating that the traditional attire helps in identifying a community, she stressed the need for wearing our traditional wear in accordance to the rules, while also keeping in mind the time and place.

Thus, the pattern woven on the border of Phanek Mayek Naibi cannot be embroidered haphazardly, as it holds special meaning.

One such pattern is the 'Khoi Mayek', which holds an important place in the history of the land and regarded as a form of self-protection for women.

Hence, there is the need to learn and preserve this pattern, she asserted.

The publicity secretary then commented on the degradation of customs and tradition left by our forefathers including stitching arbitrary patterns on the Phanek borders and entering the sacred Mandops with such patterns.

Appealing to all concerned not to take part in religious rituals wearing such Phanek, she said that married women should wear the Phanek around the chest, while unmarried women at waist level.

She then informed that the Association would begin monitoring such and other violations of the customs and traditions of our ancestors.

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