Wedding dress and clothingSouth Asia
Leirum Phee
In its own language: ꯂꯩꯔꯨꯝ ꯐꯤ
A traditional Meitei shawl given as a wedding gift from parents to daughters
The Leirum Phee is a large cotton shawl with a distinct black, red and white woven pattern. It serves as a ceremonial wedding gift from parents to their daughters in Meitei culture.
When is Leirum Phee kept?
Leirum Phee is kept during the wedding preparations.
The Leirum Phee is a significant textile in Meitei tradition. This rough cotton shawl carries deep cultural meaning. Parents present it to their daughters before marriage. The garment features a specific three-color design. It represents ancestral guardianship and family blessing.
Origins and history
This textile traces its roots to Ancient Kangleipak. Records state that King Khuyoi Tompok received one as a wedding gift around 154 CE. The item was presented by the parents of Princess Nongmoinu Ahongbi. This event established the practice of giving the cloth at weddings. Later, during the reign of King Loiyumba, weaving duties were formalized. Thirty-two families held weaving roles. One specific family, Shal Chiram, was tasked with creating these special designs.
Design and symbolism
The fabric is typically cotton. It displays a pattern using black, red and white threads. These colors are arranged on a larger white background. The design symbolizes three guardians of the universe. These figures represent deities linked to the Khuman, Mangang and Luwang groups. They are viewed as ancestors of all Meitei clans. The motifs are believed to offer protection and guardianship to the wearer.
Wedding traditions
The shawl is central to Meitei nuptial customs. It is part of the pham konba ritual. This ceremony involves blessings for the bride. The bride's family provides her with ningol gi awunpot items. These gifts include a bed and the Leirum Phee. The presentation marks a key moment in the wedding preparations. It signifies the transfer of care and blessing from the parents.
How Leirum Phee is kept
Parents prepare the Leirum Phee as a gift for their daughter. The shawl is included in the ningol gi awunpot bundle. This bundle contains essential items like a bed. The family presents these gifts during the pham konba ritual. The ritual serves as a blessing for the upcoming marriage. The cloth is worn or kept as a cherished heirloom.
When and where
It is prepared and presented during the betrothal phase. The gift is given before the main wedding ceremony. It is part of the pre-wedding rituals.
The custom originates in Manipur, India. It is practiced by the Meitei community. The textile is also found in Myanmar among related groups.
What Leirum Phee means
The three colors represent ancestral guardians. The design honors the Khuman, Mangang and Luwang deities. These figures are seen as protectors of the people. Giving the shawl transfers this protective blessing to the bride.
Who takes part
- Parents: Weave or purchase the shawl as a gift
- Daughter: Receives the shawl as a wedding gift
- Bride's family: Provides the ningol gi awunpot bundle
Then and now
The textile gained wider attention after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wore it publicly. Some refer to it as the Modi Gamcha. However, local weavers have protested mass production. They claim factory owners in Uttar Pradesh are copying the design. Authorities have been asked to stop unauthorized production.
On the wedding table
Symbols: The colour red The colour white
Questions people ask about Leirum Phee
When is Leirum Phee kept?
Leirum Phee is kept during the wedding preparations.
What is the Leirum Phee?
It is a traditional Meitei cotton shawl. It features a black, red and white woven design. The garment is used as a wedding gift.
Why is it important?
It symbolizes ancestral guardianship. The design honors ancient deities. It represents family blessing and protection.
See also
Kanchipuram silk sariThe heavy silk bridal garment woven in Kanchipuram with contrasting borders and gold zari.KasavuThe white cotton and gold border attire worn by Malayalis for weddings and festivals.MadisarThe nine-yard sari drape worn by Tamil Brahmin women during weddings and religious rites.
BandhaniA traditional Indian tie-dye method that creates intricate dot patterns by binding small sections of cloth before dyeingGood reading and sources
- Our scarf being made in U.P., says Manipur governmentThe Hindu, Article
- Threads of history: The Story of PM Modi’s ‘Manipuri’ GamchhaThe Indian Express, Article
- Manipur handloom authority urges textile ministry to stop production of traditional cloth in UPHindustan Times, Article
- Our scarf being made in U.P., says Manipur governmentThe Hindu, Article
- Threads of history: The Story of PM Modi’s ‘Manipuri’ GamchhaThe Indian Express, Article
- Manipur handloom authority urges textile ministry to stop production of traditional cloth in UPHindustan Times, Article
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Leirum Phee", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryShaadi rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
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