Kokyet
A motif of a Maiba (Meitei for 'priest') wearing a Kokyet, while playing a Pena (musical instrument), showcased in the Republic Day of India, in New Delhi
Year33 CE
Typeheaddress (headgear)
On display atin many occasions and places, including the Indian Parliament

Kokyet (Meitei: ꯀꯣꯛꯌꯦꯠ),[lower-alpha 1] sometimes also spelled as Koyet, Koyyet, Koiyet, is a traditional Meitei men's headdress.[1][2] It is made in twelve distinct designs. It is used in different Meitei cultural ceremonies, festivals, occasions, etc. It is used by both the common people as well as the royal people.[3] Its design is derived from the two horns of ancient Meitei deity Pakhangba, who could transfigure into many different divine forms. It is also the sacred protective symbolic representation of Sidaba of traditional Meitei religion (Sanamahism).[4][5]

Origin

The existence of Kokyet (Meitei: ꯀꯣꯛꯌꯦꯠ) dates back to the era of Meitei king Nongda Lairen Pakhangba (c. 33 CE) in Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur). He used it as Kokyet Pheiyet (Meitei: ꯀꯣꯛꯌꯦꯠ ꯐꯩꯌꯦꯠ), one of the designs of the costume.[6][7][8]

In Indian Parliament

Since 2023, the Kokyet is used as a uniform item for the marshals of the Indian Parliament (both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha[9][10]), as chosen by the Union Government of India. The Kokyet which is used as a uniform is designed by Yumnam Bhumeshwor Singh (Yuva Awardee Sangeet Natak Akademi New Delhi,Government of India) a Nata Sankirtana artiste,Music Composer and Choreographer.[11][12] The newly designed Kokyet drew inspiration from the "Salai Taret Kokyet" (Meitei: ꯁꯂꯥꯏ ꯇꯔꯦꯠ ꯀꯣꯛꯌꯦꯠ), possessing seven colours representing seven Meitei clans, combined with another Meitei traditional handicraft "Lamthang Khullak" (Meitei: ꯂꯝꯊꯥꯡ ꯈꯨꯜꯂꯛ).[13][14]

Upon the reception of the Meitei traditional dress in the national level, Sunzu Bachaspatimaym, the then secretary of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS),[15][16] commented:

I have mixed emotions at the news. While I'm thrilled to know that our cultural heritage is being recognised and has duly found a space in the Parliament, I'm also sceptical as Meitei fabric heritage is steeped in hierarchy.[17][18][19]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ "Kok" means head and "Yet" means "to wrap around" in Meitei language

References

  1. ↑ "Manipur's 'Kokyet' Part Of New Uniform In Parliament - Eastern Mirror". 2023-09-13. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  2. ↑ "Colours of India: Parliament Marshals to don Manipur's turban 'Kokyet'". Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  3. ↑ "Parliament marshals to don Manipuri turban, Kokyet". The Times of India. 2023-09-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  4. ↑ Bora, Pallav (2023-09-15). "Strife-Torn Manipur Finds Place Of Pride In Parliament As 'Kokyet' Named Official Headgear". Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  5. ↑ "Manipuri Kokyet finds space in Indian Parliament". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  6. ↑ "Parliament marshals to don Manipuri turban, Kokyet". The Times of India. 2023-09-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  7. ↑ Bora, Pallav (2023-09-15). "Strife-Torn Manipur Finds Place Of Pride In Parliament As 'Kokyet' Named Official Headgear". Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  8. ↑ "Manipuri Kokyet finds space in Indian Parliament". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  9. ↑ "Manipur's 'Kokyet' Part Of New Uniform In Parliament - Eastern Mirror". 2023-09-13. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  10. ↑ "Amid ethnic mess, people cheerful as Manipuri 'Kokyet' finds space in Indian Parliament". Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  11. ↑ "Parliament marshals to don Manipuri turban, Kokyet". The Times of India. 2023-09-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  12. ↑ "Manipuri Kokyet finds space in Indian Parliament". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  13. ↑ Bora, Pallav (2023-09-15). "Strife-Torn Manipur Finds Place Of Pride In Parliament As 'Kokyet' Named Official Headgear". Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  14. ↑ "Manipuri Kokyet finds space in Indian Parliament". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  15. ↑ "Parliament marshals to don Manipuri turban, Kokyet". The Times of India. 2023-09-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  16. ↑ "Manipuri Kokyet finds space in Indian Parliament". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  17. ↑ "Parliament marshals to don Manipuri turban, Kokyet". The Times of India. 2023-09-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  18. ↑ Bora, Pallav (2023-09-15). "Strife-Torn Manipur Finds Place Of Pride In Parliament As 'Kokyet' Named Official Headgear". Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  19. ↑ "Manipuri Kokyet finds space in Indian Parliament". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 2023-09-15.

Further reading

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