Nestled in the peaceful hills of the north-eastern part of India, the beautiful state of Meghalaya houses the three famous hill tribes of India, namely, the Khasi, Jaintias and Garos .

It is interesting to note that the Garos are the most skilled weavers of the region. Probably, every family earns their livelihood through weaving.

Indeed, the traditional costume for women, called Jainsen , is an unstitched garment wrapped around to cover the body. It is woven from mulberry silk cultivated in the local region.

The crowning glory of the costume of Meghalaya is the Endi silk shawl. Sonidan is the hub of Endi or Errandi silk-production in Meghalaya. The hill communities rear Philosamia ricini , the silkworm, feeding on castor leaves. These nature`s artists, the silkworms produce rich protein fiber and accordingly spin round the open-ended cocoon. It is from this fibre that the coveted silk is generated. Endi silk is the product of the domesticated silkworm, Philosamia ricini that feeds mainly on castor leaves. Sericulture is a popular small-scale industry of Meghalaya. The silk-weavers use the Endi silk threads to weave splendid shawls, that are not only warmth-retentive or supple, but assets to boast of. These shawls are invested with natural soothing shades of crθme, white, brown, beige and gold. They are favorites of not only the local tribal, but also of any fashion-addict of India.

The weaver-ace Garos, cater to different forms of costume, in keeping with the air of the ambience they are residing in. In the remote areas of Garo hill villages, the women drapes eking, a short cloth round the waist, while the men put in a loincloth.

But the Garo women, go for a longer version of cotton attire in the crowded zones. A Garo woman dons a blouse, and wears a "Lungi" like mantle of unstitched cloth called Dakmanda, by fastening it round the waist. The Dakmanda is an example of hand-woven cotton fabric. Its specialty is the six to ten inch broad borders embellished with attractive motifs or floral patterns.

The Khasi sect comprising 50% of the total poulation in India, emit a discrete aura, owing to the costume they wear. The traditional costume of the Khasi man in meghalaya is an unstitched lower apparel , akin to Dhoti, completed by a jacket and headgear or turban . However, in the recent times, men display themselves in traditional garments only on social festivals and ceremonies, to keep the flame of tradition, glowing.

Western concept of dressing has entered the realms of costume-design in Meghalaya. However, the element of tradition is much alive in the costume of the Khasi women . It entails a Jainsen, concealing till the ankles, which is topped off by a blouse. Above these garments, she ties the edges of tap-moh khlieh , a checquered cotton shawl, round her neck or pins at the shoulders, to serve somewhat like an apron.

During occasions, Ka Jainsem Dhara, a long piece of Assam Muga silk, is added to this attire, so as to assume a radiant appearance.

But the base-material for these costumes are mill-manufactured, as the Kashis are not so much attached with weaving today. Another srtip of woolen cloth called Jainkup, is useed by the senior women. Jainkup is not so much in vogue among the younger generation.

Khasi women, have the affordability to deck themselves in ornaments of pure gold and silver, made by local jewelry-smiths.

The costume of the male members of the Jaintia tribe bears similarities with that of the Khasi men.

However, the costume of the Jaintia women in Meghalaya is a little different from the other groups. A Jaintia woman, envelops her head with a cloth-piece with checks called "Kyrshah", at the times of harvest-work in the field. She covers herself from the shoulders to the ankles, with a velvet blouse, along with a sarong called Thoh Khyrwang wrapped round her waist . She also ties round her shoulders an Assam Muga silk cloth , flowing down to the ankles. There exists a practice among Jaintia men and women, to present themselves in gaudy , resplendent costumes, on festive and gay occassions.

Dressing without the embellishments of ornaments, is lustreless for Jaintia women. They adorn themselves with earrings and other ornaments of gold and silver. It is a custom to dress in headornaments, like, a silver circlet worn round the head as a forehead -decoration.

Both the Khasis and the Jayantis, flaunt themselves in a pure gold pendant kown as Kynjri Ksiar.

The elegance and grace inherent to the ethnic costumes of Meghalaya complements the scenic beauty of the picturesque landscape of Meghalaya.