The Hmar Arasi Puon, also known as Heaven’s Glory Puon, is one of the most distinctive and spiritually inspired traditional garments of the Hmar people. It was designed and named by Ngurthanghnem Sanate Paasonen in 1952 at the Churachandpur Mission Compound, Manipur. The name itself - “Hmar Arasi” meaning “Star” and “Heaven’s Glory” drawn from Psalm 19 (“The heavens declare the glory of God”) - was thoughtfully chosen by the designer to express both cultural artistry and divine inspiration.
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| Hmar Arasi Puon |
Designs, Patterns, and Features of Hmar Arasi Puon
The Hmar Arasi Puon is distinguished by its deep blue base, symbolizing the heavens, and its striking white star motifs, handwoven across the fabric to resemble twinkling stars in the night sky. Each motif reflects precision, harmony, and faith, representing both heavenly glory and human craftsmanship.
Woven traditionally on a puonkawl (backstrap loom), the garment showcases fine weaving techniques passed down through generations of Hmar women. The Arasi (star) pattern can be varied in size and woven in different colour combinations, though the classic design features a vibrant blue with white stars. The design features a uniform field of white star-like motifs spread evenly across. The texture of the fabric reflects the meticulous care and skill that define Hmar weaving traditions.
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| Recent version of Hmar Arasi Puon |
In recent versions, the pattern has evolved - retaining the star motifs but arranged in panelled sections and corner borders, creating a more structured and ornamental look. These newer designs are also being incorporated into mufflers and accessories, reflecting the blend of tradition with modern adaptation.
The Inspiration and Story Behind the Cloth
The Hmar Arasi Puon carries a deeply personal and spiritual story. As a child growing up at the Churachandpur Mission Compound, Ngurthanghnem Sanate Paasonen was fascinated by the colourful designs of traditional Hmar garments (puon zie). During World War II (1944 - 47), her family took refuge in the jungles, where she learned weaving from her mother, Vanlalbuoli, and aunt, Sangzakhawl, both experienced weavers. By the age of six, she was already using a mini handloom (tatebem).
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| Designer Ngurthanghnem Sanate Paasonen wearing her own creation, the Hmar Arasi Puon |
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After the war, upon returning to Churachandpur, she began creating her own designs. At fourteen, inspired by Psalm 19, she envisioned a pattern that would reflect the heavens declaring the glory of God. She sketched the star design, selected a special blue thread, and wove it into fabric using her handloom. Thus was born the Hmar Arasi Puon - “Heaven’s Glory”, both named and designed by her as a symbol of faith and creativity.
According to the designer, the stars on the Puon are reminders to “raise our eyes and see the glory of God revealed in His heavenly creation.” Her work became a woven expression of scripture, culture, and devotion.
Legacy and Cultural Significance
Over the decades, as Ngurthanghnem Sanate Paasonen traveled across the world - living in London, New York, Paris, Berlin, and Strasbourg - she carried the legacy of her weaving heritage. Even while serving as a missionary with her husband in Europe, she preserved her original “Heaven’s Glory” Puon and other traditional weaves as treasures of her cultural identity.
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Today, the Hmar Arasi Puon - “Heaven’s Glory” stands as a testament to the artistry, faith, and heritage of the Hmar people. Originating from Churachandpur, Manipur, this exquisite design continues to be worn widely by Hmars in Mizoram, Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura, symbolizing unity, identity, and spiritual grace.
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| The Hmar Arasi Puon on display at Haire Hai Puon Dawr, Rengkai Road, CCpur, Manipur |
In essence, the Hmar Arasi Puon - “Heaven’s Glory” is far more than a garment. It is a masterpiece woven in blue and white - a timeless reflection of the heavens, faith, and the creative soul of a young Hmar woman who translated divine inspiration into enduring tradition.
