Bishnupriya Manipuri Blog
If you observe closely, you will notice that the old lady is holding a towel like cloth called “Gamcha” which is like “putli” in Bengali. It is basically a purse to carry goods. Back in the past, carrying purse was a luxury for everyone also unavailability of fancy products made people to manage things in a simple way. Hence, Bishunupriya Manipuri women used to carry this piece of cloth to carry things whenever they go to attend any social or religious function.If the programs were to last for few hours they would carry dry snacks like jaggery, flattened rice, puffed rice, sweet balls or hand made “Nadu”. These foods they would share with their friends and mates during the program. While coming back from the program they used to bring offerings or “Prasad” for their family members who could not attend the program. While growing up I used to see old women carrying such “pouches” quite often; however now, things have changed rapidly. Women are seen carrying modern and fancy carry-bags while attending functions. With time, the older traditions are slowly fading and perhaps in this process we are loosing touch with ourselves too.
This is the reality we have to accept; change is the only constant. I was wondering, why is the older things very dear to us, why are we so attached with those things compare to recent things. Then I realised, back in time, people used to purchase lesser things and spent more and more things with those. Now, we are living in a throwaway society. Therefore, we do not even get enough time to make something dear to our hearts!
Project: Documenting Bishupriya Manipuri Culture and Heritage by Shubhro Sinha.
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April 21, 2025
Shubhro Sinha
