Pheichom

Pheichom is a traditional Meitei loincloth worn by men.^[1][2] It is mainly made of cotton or silk in gold, saffron or white.^[3] The khamen chatpa is the most popular style of pheijom. The pheijom is similar to the dhoti, worn by men elsewhere in India.^[2][4]

Meitei men wearing khamen chatpa.

Pung Cholom performing artists wearing pheichoms.

A khamen chatpa is a white silk pheijom, block printed in black, brown, or purple. It is worn especially during the festival of Lai Haraoba.^[1]: 131 During the days of monarchy, the khamen chatpa was worn by royalty but not by people of lower rank. On auspicious occasions, Kings would honour favoured subjects by awarding a khamen chatpa.^{[3]: 669 [5][6]} Although a pheijom is normally an item of male attire, the khamen chatpa is also worn by priestessess^[7] and Pena musicians.