SALAI KOKYET: A type of turban wear by the Meitei bridegroom

 

Salai Kokyet Macha (worn by Meitei Bridegrooms)

The Salai kokyet is believed to be developed relating to the Meitei cosmological belief in the concept of mythical  person of Atiya Guru Sidaba ,the manifestation of the supreme being in the act of the creation of the Universe. The deity is associated with two aspects of symbolism in the cosmogony of people .Firstly the deity is the symbol of protection. the second symbolism associated with this deity related to his three tri-curved posture which reminds of the philosophy of tripartite reflected in the Meitei concept of “three preceptors” (Mangang, Luwang and Khuman, each representing the three units a of day, that is, morning, afternoon and night /darkness respectively).The aspect of dual symbolism is perceivable in this form of head dressing culture.

There are four varieties of Salai Kokyet, namely:

a) Salai kokyet mapum

b) Salai kokyet macha

c) Salai kokyet oinambi

d) Salai kokyet matok pandabi  

The drummers(pung yeiba) attired with Salai kokyet(Source:internet)

This type of kokyet( turban) is worn  by the drummers(Pung yeiba) in Palas (Sankritanas singers) on the occasion of Asti Sanchai(ritual mourning ceremony observed on 5th day after the person died). The Meitei bridegrooms also put on this type of kokyet in marriage ceremony.

Source data:Traditional dress of the Meiteis by Dr.K. Sobita Devi