Imphal, March 14, 2010: Manipur is undoubtedly famous for its rich tradition and culture in the world.

Some of which can be cited as the Ras Lilas, Meetie Jagoi (Manipuri folk dance).

Such traditions and cultures of the state are also enhanced by its colorful and beautiful costumes made by professional designers.

Notably, due care must be taken while designing such traditional costumes as it depicts the religion of the Meeteis.

Interestingly, the colourful costumes with several ornaments worn by the Meetei men and women while performing in Ras Lila, Meetei Jagoi are being specially designed by the trained persons of Manipur.

The bridegrooms and brides also wear the traditional costumes designed and created by such professional designers.

Such persons also earn money while making the traditional costumes as Manipur still follows its tradition and culture strictly.

The following is a story of a man who is an expert of turban (locally known as koyet) making.

Koyet or turbans are worn by the Meetei menfolk while performing in the traditional functions and also by the Meetei bridegrooms.

Thokchom Pousa Meetei of Kongba, Imphal who is a professional turban maker shares his story of how he is tied with the tradition and culture of Manipur that led him to learn making turban.

Stating that koyet making is a complicated task, Th.Pousa told Waikhom Shyam of NNN that koyet making also involves lot of concentration.

One should be very careful in making the koyet as a slight mistake in one step while making would require starting off the whole process all over again.

He added that it is also a contribution to the society.

While stating that on pursuing training on how to play Tabla (locally known as pung) he learnt making turbans under the guidance of his guru Th.Heramot.

He also learnt the unique style of tying turban locally known as �salai koyet yetpa'.

In addition he also learnt various cultural dances and songs of Manipur namely, Khubak Eeshei, Goura Lila, Nat Sankriton under the guidance of his teacher Loitongbam Chaoba.

He had reportedly learnt all these cultural activities at the age of 8 years.

He started participating in goura Lila during his teens and continued till the age of 39. After seeking advice from his guru L.Chaoba, he joined the Meetei Marup (meitei religions of Manipur) when he 40 years.

Significantly, Th.Pousa Meetei is reportedly the first Meetei singer (who sang the meetei ritual songs) in All India Radio (AIR) Imphal and Doordarshan Kendra, Guwahati.

Currently, he runs a school christened as Anji Cultural Academy' at his home.

The academy with around 25-30 trainees reportedly imparts training on traditional Manipuri dance and playing cultural instruments such as Pung Ishei, Jagoi, Pena (flute) including Manipuri classical songs.

He further added that he makes 10-15 turbans per day in his leisure time and charges Rs.80 per koyet.

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