Among the Hmar people, Hmarpuon stands as a proud emblem of unity, culture, and identity. It is not merely a woven fabric, but a reflection of the Hmar spirit - vibrant, harmonious, and deeply rooted in tradition. Recognised today as the principal traditional cloth of the Hmar tribe, Hmarpuon is worn by both men and women on festive, religious, and ceremonial occasions.
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| Hmarpuon |
Its bold stripes, balanced hues, and rhythmic symmetry represent the harmony and resilience of the Hmar community. Derived from the colours of the rainbow, Hmarpuon symbolizes beauty born of nature - a story of creativity, heritage, and collective identity woven into every thread.
The Beginning: The Hmar Culture Sub-Committee
The story of Hmarpuon traces back to 5 April 1954, when a historic meeting was convened at the residence of Pu V. L. Siema on Rengkai Road, Churachandpur, Manipur. During this gathering, the Hmar Culture Committee was formed as a Sub-Committee under the Hmar Students’ Association (HSA) to preserve and promote the tribe’s cultural traditions, songs, dances, and attire.
Office Bearers:
• President: Pu H. F. Nghaka (Thenmuol)
• Secretary: Pu S. K. Hrangchal (Imphal)
• Treasurer: Pi Fimneizo (Rengkai)
Executive Members:
1. Pu V. L. Siema
2. Pu H. L. Daka
3. Pu H. K. Khawlkung
4. Pu Sielchunghnung
Additionally, two representatives from each village in Churachandpur were nominated. Pu Taivel of Rengkai served as Chairman and Pu H. L. Daka as Secretary.
Under this sub-committee, the Hmar Culture group began performing traditional dances and songs at public events. On one such occasion - a Republic Day celebration - they performed the Butu Khuonglam dance, receiving Rs. 500/- as an honorarium.
Of this amount, Rs. 400 was used to purchase the plot that would later become the HSA Campus at Rengkai, and the remaining Rs. 100 was reserved for the creation of a distinctive traditional cloth that would represent the Hmar identity.
A general meeting was subsequently convened, attended by two representatives from each village. During the discussions, it was observed that while there existed numerous Hmar traditional garments, none specifically represented the collective identity of Hmar women. The gathering thus resolved to design a unique cloth that would embody that identity. The responsibility for this important task was entrusted to Pi Fimneizo, W/o (L) Lalphuta of Rengkai, CCpur, Manipur, the Treasurer of the Hmar Culture Sub-Committee.
ALSO READ: Tuibopuon - The Earliest Hmar Handwoven Cloth
The Creation: Inspired by the Rainbow
For over a month, Pi Fimneizo experimented with various colours and stripe arrangements on her loin loom (backstrap loom). One day, while gazing at a rainbow (Sumrisâng), she was struck by its vivid harmony and balance of hues. The vision lingered in her thoughts and dreams, inspiring the final design that would soon become the Hmarpuon.
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| Pi Fimneizo, the designer of the Hmarpuon, wearing the traditional cloth she created |
By 1957, she completed weaving the first Hmarpuon. A committee meeting was called, and two representatives from each village were invited to examine the new cloth. The members were delighted and unanimously approved it. It was then officially named Hmarpuon - the cloth of the Hmar people.
Design & Symbolism of the Hmarpuon
Since its inspiration came from the rainbow, Hmarpuon incorporates seven distinct colours, each with a traditional Hmar name and meaning:
1. A Sen - Red
2. A Hring - Green
3. A Sendâng - Light Red / Saffron
4. A Dumpâwl - Blue-Black
5. Vânrawng - Sky Blue
6. A Dum - Black
7. A Vâr - White
The cloth features broad red bands on both ends, framing a central body of black interlaced with colorful horizontal stripes. The overall layout is symmetrical and horizontally striped, maintaining a rhythmic balance across the width. Since Hmarpuon design derived from Rainbow (Sumrisâng zie) it has seven colours like in the rainbow. A sen (red), A hring (green), A sendâng (pink), A dumpâwl (Blue black), Vânrawng (sky blue) A dum (black) A vâr (white)
The Hmar Puon features finely woven horizontal bands that alternate between broad red (A Sen) and thin white (A Vâr) lines set against a deep black (A Dum) background. These red and black fields are accentuated with delicate blue (Vânrawng) and green (A Hring) guiding lines, occasionally accompanied by faint purple tones, adding symmetry and brilliance to the design.
Within the broader red bands appear decorative woven strips showcasing intricate geometric motifs - small cross and diamond patterns - in white, blue, pink, green, and purple threads. These motifs form part of the central design band, introducing rhythm and contrast within the structured stripe pattern.
ALSO READ: Tawllopuon - The Warrior’s Cloth of The Hmar People
The sequence of colored stripes follows a balanced repetition, with alternating thick and narrow bands arranged harmoniously across the entire length of the cloth. The subtle variation between A Sen (deep red) and A Sendâng (light red or saffron) tones adds warmth and depth to the overall composition.
Cultural Role & Evolution
Though design to be a women cloth, it is now commonly worn by men and women alike as upper and lower garments. The original Hmarpuon is a simple stripe with no embroidery or intricate designs. The modern weavers have now added a little simple design called fanghma mu in the middle of the white stripe. The cloth has now been design into mufflers, incorporated into shirts, skirts, necktie etc.
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| Young men and women performing the traditional Chawn Lam dance, using the Hmarpuon draped across their shoulders as part of the dance choreography. |
Hmarpuon has become as the main or most important cloth for the Hmar people, and has become the main cloth that is associated with the Hmar tribe. The most wear cloth during cultural festivals and religious gatherings. And the name Hmarpuon is now associated with the Hmar tribe.
Legacy of the Hmarpuon
From its conception under the Hmar Culture Sub-Committee of the HSA in 1954 to its recognition as the defining cloth of the Hmar tribe, Hmarpuon continues to embody the creativity, resilience, and collective identity of the Hmar people.
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| A young woman adorned in Hmarpuon, the traditional cloth that symbolizes the cultural identity and pride of the Hmar people. |
Its seven colours mirror the hues of the rainbow that inspired Pi Fimneizo, reminding every wearer that diversity, unity, and beauty coexist in harmony. Today, Hmarpuon stands not only as traditional attire but as a symbol of the Hmar nation itself - woven from vision, dedication, and pride.
Seven colours, one people - the Hmarpuon remains the enduring identity of the Hmar.
