Manipuri Kokyet finds space in Parliament
Manipur erupted in joy on Thursday as its Kokyet or turban has been chosen as part of the dress code for the Marshals of the Indian parliament.
The Indian government is introducing new uniform codes for both houses of the parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for the upcoming 5-day special parliamentary session scheduled to begin on Monday.
Besides Kokyet, other new uniform items being introduced include Nehru jackets of magenta or deep pink shade for secretariat staff, camouflage for security officers, officials said.
Manipuri culture exponent and former director of Manipur art and culture department, K Sobita Devi, while expressing happiness over the new development, said the government has recognized the rich culture of the state.
“It is very interesting and hopeful that it will highlight the culture of Manipur to the rest of the world. But the problem is that we just want to know what kind of turban have been chosen for the purpose,” she said.
According to Sobita who has authored a book entitled, ‘The Traditional Dress of the Meiteis’ said there are 12 different varieties of Meitie Kokyets and the same are used by different strata of the society in different occasions from commoners to that of the royals.
“ Kokyet is the symbol of divine protective symbol from time immemorial because it has been derived from the two horns of the Lord Pakhangba who has many facets from the Atiya Guru Sidaba.
