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Nachom

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Nachom or Nachomlei, a Meitei traditional small bouquet or posy

Nachom (ꯅꯥꯆꯣꯝ), also known as Nachomlei (ꯅꯥꯆꯣꯝꯂꯩ) or Lei Nachom (ꯂꯩ ꯅꯥꯆꯣꯝ),[1][2] 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.[3][4][5]

Etymology

The Meitei word ꯅꯥꯆꯣꯝ (nāchom) is morphologically derived from two components:[2]

  • "nā" meaning ear,[2] and
  • "chom" meaning to grow or to sprout.[2]

So, nāchom literally conveys the idea of something that "grows from the ear," symbolizing a decorative bunch of flowers worn in that area.[2]

In the compound expression ꯂꯩ ꯅꯥꯆꯣꯝ (lei nāchom), the word "lei" means flower, and is followed by "nāchom".[2]

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.[2]

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 (ꯅꯣꯡꯗꯥ ꯂꯥꯏꯔꯦꯟ ꯄꯥꯈꯪꯕ), the first recorded king of Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur).[5]

There is also a mythological connection to Goddess Nongthang Leima (ꯅꯣꯡꯊꯥꯡ ꯂꯩꯃ), believed to be an incarnation of Panthoibi (ꯄꯥꯟꯊꯣꯏꯕꯤ), a major Meitei goddess. According to legends, these goddesses wore flowers as adornments, which inspired the Nachom tradition.[5]

Religious and ritual use

Nachoms are used in various rituals of Meitei traditional religion (Sanamahism) and to certain extent of Meitei Hinduism.[5]

Nachoms are also worn by Amaibees (priestesses) during the Lai Haraoba festival, a major celebration of Meitei gods and goddesses in Meitei culture.[5]

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).[5] Different flowers had different meanings:

  • Dropping a specific flower could mean accepting or rejecting a romantic proposal.[5]
  • The position and type of flower conveyed emotional messages such as freedom, dedication, humility, or independence.[5]

Symbolic meanings of flowers in Nachom

Each flower used in a Nachom carries a specific meaning.[5] Some examples include:

  • Flowers and their meanings
    • Sanarei (transl. marigold[6]) - Acceptance of love; dedication to a man even over family care.[5]
    • Kusumlei - Living under strict family rules; not open to romance.[5]
    • Atal Gulap (Rose) - Total love and dedication to someone.[5]
    • Takhellei - Symbol of freshness, vitality, and completeness.[5]
    • Khongul Melei - Sharing personal history before starting a relationship.[5]
    • Petruk Lei - Humble background; asks for care and attention.[5]
    • Leihao (transl. Michelia champaka[7]) - Independence; widows using it signify loyalty to their late husband.[5]
    • Nageshor - Strong, single, and self-sustained woman uninterested in romantic affairs.[5]

Types of Nachom

A Meitei lady holding a nachom bouquet

Different types of Nachoms are used for different occasions:

  • Lai Haraoba gi Nachom – worn by priestesses during the Lai Haraoba festival.[5]
  • Likon Nachom – romantic Nachoms used during youth festivals.[5]
  • Umang Lai Haraoba gi Nachom – for forest deity (Umang Lai) worship, symbolizing dedication to gods.[5]

Composition

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

  • 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:[5]

  1. Behind the ears
  2. In the braid
  3. On the tip of the hair

There is also symbolic placement:

  • Married women wear Nachom on the right ear[5]
  • Unmarried women wear it on the left ear[5]
  • 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.[5]

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.[5]

Scholars have described Nachom tradition as "Meina Wai Tangna Sam" – a beautiful symbol of Meitei cultural and emotional expression.[5]

In religion and mythology

Some of the 7 divine ladies wearing nachom bouquets

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.[5]

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.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1993). Folk Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. p. 247. ISBN 978-81-7049-063-0.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at Chicago. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary (definitions of nachom)". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). USA: University of Chicago. p. 102, 178. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
  3. ↑ 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.
  4. ↑ Singh, Lamabam Damodar (2000). L. Kamal Singh. Sahitya Akademi. p. 56. ISBN 978-81-260-0856-8.
  5. ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 5.17 5.18 5.19 5.20 5.21 5.22 5.23 5.24 5.25 5.26 5.27 5.28 5.29 "Nachom Nachomlei flowers used traditionally by Meitei By S Bhubol". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
  6. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at Chicago. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary (definition of sanarei)". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). USA: University of Chicago. p. 190. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
  7. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at Chicago. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary (definition of leihao)". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). USA: University of Chicago. p. 179. Retrieved 2025-06-27.

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