Nachom

Nachom (), also known as Nachomlei () or Lei Nachom (),Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1993). Folk Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. p. 247. ISBN 978-81-7049-063-0. is a traditional small bouquet or posy made of selective flowers, used mainly by women of the Meitei community in Manipur, a state in Northeast India. It holds cultural, religious, and romantic significance in Meitei civilization and continues to be a part of rituals, festivals, and traditional attire.Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (2020-11-25). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. p. 340. ISBN 978-1-000-29637-2.Singh, Lamabam Damodar (2000). L. Kamal Singh. Sahitya Akademi. p. 56. ISBN 978-81-260-0856-8.

 Etymology 
The Meitei word ꯅꯥꯆꯣꯝ (nāchom) is morphologically derived from two components:

 "nā" meaning ear, and

 "chom" meaning to grow or to sprout.

So, nāchom literally conveys the idea of something that "grows from the ear," symbolizing a decorative bunch of flowers worn in that area.

In the compound expression ꯂꯩ ꯅꯥꯆꯣꯝ (lei nāchom), the word "lei" means flower, and is followed by "nāchom".

Together, lei nāchom literally translates to a flower bunch that grows from the ear, referring more specifically to a very small floral ornament worn in the hair or ear.

 Overview 

Historically, a Nachom refers to a small bunch of local flowers, often placed behind the ears, in the braid, or on the tips of the hair by Meitei women. The tradition is believed to be very old, dating back to 33 CE, during the reign of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba (), the first recorded king of Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur).

There is also a mythological connection to Goddess Nongthang Leima (), believed to be an incarnation of Panthoibi (), a major Meitei goddess. According to legends, these goddesses wore flowers as adornments, which inspired the Nachom tradition.

 Religious and ritual use 

Nachoms are used in various rituals of Meitei traditional religion (Sanamahism) and to certain extent of Meitei Hinduism.

Nachoms are also worn by Amaibees (priestesses) during the Lai Haraoba festival, a major celebration of Meitei gods and goddesses in Meitei culture.

 Cultural significance 

 Romantic symbolism 

In traditional events like Likon Sannaba (a youth gathering), Nachoms were used by young women (Leishabees) to silently communicate their feelings to young men (Pakhangs). Different flowers had different meanings:

 Dropping a specific flower could mean accepting or rejecting a romantic proposal.

 The position and type of flower conveyed emotional messages such as freedom, dedication, humility, or independence.

 Symbolic meanings of flowers in Nachom 

Each flower used in a Nachom carries a specific meaning. Some examples include:

 Flowers and their meanings
 Sanarei () - Acceptance of love; dedication to a man even over family care.
 Kusumlei - Living under strict family rules; not open to romance.
 Atal Gulap (Rose) - Total love and dedication to someone.
 Takhellei - Symbol of freshness, vitality, and completeness.
 Khongul Melei - Sharing personal history before starting a relationship.
 Petruk Lei - Humble background; asks for care and attention.
 Leihao () - Independence; widows using it signify loyalty to their late husband.
 Nageshor - Strong, single, and self-sustained woman uninterested in romantic affairs.

 Types of Nachom 

Different types of Nachoms are used for different occasions:

 Lai Haraoba gi Nachom – worn by priestesses during the Lai Haraoba festival.

 Likon Nachom – romantic Nachoms used during youth festivals.

 Umang Lai Haraoba gi Nachom – for forest deity (Umang Lai) worship, symbolizing dedication to gods.

 Composition 

Nachoms are usually made from 1 to 5 flowers. Commonly used flowers include:

 Takhellei

 Sanarei

 Nageshor

 Atal Gulap (Rose)

 Khongul Melei

 Petruk Lei

 Leihao

 Tulsi leaves

 Chigonglei

 Malika

 Ways to wear 

Women wear Nachoms in three main ways:

 Behind the ears
 In the braid
 On the tip of the hair

There is also symbolic placement:

 Married women wear Nachom on the right ear
 Unmarried women wear it on the left ear
 Flowers worn on the ears can be given as gifts to others, but those on the braid or hair are considered personal and are not gifted.

 Decline and preservation 

While Nachoms are a rich cultural tradition, their use has been declining due to modern influences and lifestyle changes. Still, the tradition continues in festivals, rituals, and among those who strive to preserve Meitei cultural identity.

Scholars have described Nachom tradition as "Meina Wai Tangna Sam" – a beautiful symbol of Meitei cultural and emotional expression.

 In religion and mythology 

According to Meitei mythology, Nachoms were first used by the seven goddesses (Lai Nurabi Taret) and the nine gods (Laibungdou Mapan) under the guidance of Sitapa Mapu (The Supreme Creator). These flowers were part of the cosmic dance that led to the creation of plants, animals, and human beings.

This divine origin is still honored in festivals like Lai Haraoba, and in rituals like Ima Taret Laikhuramba, where seven kinds of red flowers are offered to goddesses.

 Related pages 
 Lai Haraoba in Bangladesh
 Lai Haraoba in Myanmar
 Lai Haraoba in Tripura
 Kwatha Lai Haraoba
 Ancient Meitei hymns
 Meitei ritual songs
 Meitei princess
 List of Khuman queens
 Meitei queens of Tripura

 References 

Category:Meitei culture
Category:Flowers