Thangkhal Traditional Attires: Meaning, History & Cultural Identity Explained

THERE is a variety of clothes and dresses of the Thangkhal community, all woven by hand with great skill. Thangkhal women create each cloth with meaning, purpose and tradition. Over time, depending on needs, weather, festivals and occasions, many different attires, shawls, skirts and bags have emerged. Each cloth carries a part of Thangkhal history, belief and identity.

1. Sigal Puan

Sigal Puan – si (death/mourning) and puan (cloth) – is mostly used to cover the dead bodies or given to the bereaved family who lost their family member, as a sign of love.
Thus, it looks darker than the rest of the other Thangkhal clothes.
The couple in this attire shows the traditional mourning cloth of the Thangkhal community.
Its dark tone reflects respect, sympathy and the cultural way of expressing love and support during sorrow.

2. Khanglui Puan (Photo 1)

Khanglui Puan – Khanglui (ancient or olden days) – was mostly worn and was the only common wear during the olden days by the Thangkhal forefathers.
It is now not easy to find, yet due to the hard work of Thangkhal women, this dying cloth became alive once again.
It is believed to be the oldest among the Thangkhal attires.
The couple wearing this cloth represents the simplicity and heritage of the early Thangkhal lifestyle.

3. Guungal Puanlaisan

The word Guungal Puanlaisan comes from guun (a big river) and gal (beyond the river).
The Thangkhals staying beyond the river wore this in the olden days.
It is now a popular shawl or cloth called Puanlaisan (red-centred cloth).
Some of our old men from the Thangkhal community believe that the idea of this cloth pattern came from gul-ngawng-san, a snake which has a variety of colours around its neck, the most visible being red.
Our forefathers drew the idea of this beautiful pattern from this red-striped-neck snake.

4. Khanglui Puan (Photo 2)

This is another pair wearing Khanglui Puan, the olden-days cloth of the Thangkhal ancestors.
As explained, it was the only common wear of the forefathers and is believed to be the oldest attire of the community.
The revival of this cloth is the result of the continuous hard work of Thangkhal women.
The couple’s attire here reflects the same ancient simplicity and cultural value attached to this cloth.

5. Puandum

Puandum – where dum means “blue” – carries the belief that the design of this cloth is drawn from the clear blue colour of the sky.
In the olden days, when the Thangkhals were working in the agricultural fields and felt tired, they looked up at the sky.
They saw the clear-blue sky and the blue mountains seen from far away.
The idea was drawn from the sky above and the hills below, signifying that the Thangkhals are a hill tribe.
The couple wearing Puandum reflects this deep natural inspiration.

6. Puanthupi

Puanthupi – the cloth of magnificence/glory – is worn by the outstanding men and women in the Thangkhal community; in short, by prominent persons – warriors, hunters, village headmen and women, etc.
Its weaving takes a long time, and it is precious and not easily available.
This cloth symbolizes one’s persona, richness, and abundant cattle – yaks, cows, buffaloes, lambs, goats, chicken  – and plentiful harvests.
The couple in this attire reflects honour, dignity and high status within the community.

7. Khalnou Puan (Photo 1)

Khalnou Puan – Khalnou means children of Thangkhal origins – is a cloth liked by the youngsters today.
It is woven into the hearts of the young by the Thangkhal women themselves.
Thangkhals know each heart’s desire, and this cloth expresses youthfulness and identity.
The couple’s attire here shows the modern yet traditional choice of the young generation.

8. Khalnou Puan (Photo 2)

This second pair also wears Khalnou Puan, the same cloth meaning the children of Thangkhal origins.
Young people prefer it because of its simple, clean, and meaningful pattern.  Its bright design expresses a kind wish for the youth to grow into joyful, successful adults — a blessing for both the family and the community.
As woven by Thangkhal women, it reflects understanding and connection between generations.
The couple’s clothing represents pride in heritage among the youth.

9. Niiksan

Niiksan is a small red-striped plain cloth worn as long pants or half pants by Thangkhal men, and as a skirt with the same shawl by Thangkhal women in the olden days. This shows that the Thangkhals had no formal pants or skirts. Both men and women wore it, showing another example of the gender equality that exists among the Thangkhal.

When a woman wears this cloth, it is called “niik” (exclusively for women).
It is believed that due to poverty and lack of other clothing, men also began to wear this in the olden days. The couple’s attire here reflects this practical and equal tradition.

The Thangkhal elders also believed that the idea of Niiksan was drawn from the colour of certain animal skins, especially the deer, which has reddish fur. Deer are common wild animals found in the Thangkhal hills, and their natural colours are thought to have inspired the design of this cloth.

FROM these different patterns and meanings, it is clear that the Thangkhals are highly skilled in traditional cloth-making. Each attire marks a period of time, a purpose, or a cultural message. It is also clear that they grow cotton and other fibre-producing plants, and make natural colours from plants. The exact origin of these practices is still unknown, yet Khalvontawi News continues to explore and document them. These attires are not just garments but living heritage — telling stories that may not exist in other tribes in the same unique way. These woven clothes are cultural treasures that continue to define the Thangkhal identity.

See more stunning Thangkhal traditional outfits...click the links
The Beauty of Thangkhal CostumesThangkhal Traditional Dress: Threads of Tradition, Stories of BraveryThangkhal Women in Thangkhal DressThangkhal Numei Puanten (women)Thangkhal DressThangkhal Traditional ClothesThangkhal Khanglui MufflerThangkhal Khanglui PuanThangkhal Puan: Khanglui & MufflerThangkhal Khanglui PuanTHANGKHAL MUFFLERWoven with Pride – The Thangkhal NecktiesThangkhal Couple in Thangkhal CostumesTHANGKHAL NAMPUAN ( Thangkhal Traditional Attires/ Costumes)Handwoven Thangkhal Traditional Bags

~ KHALVONTAWI NEWS

Share: