Paat Mekhela Chador | Authentic Assam Mulberry Silk Bihu

Paat Mekhela Chador — Authentic Assam Mulberry Silk, Bihu & Assamese Wedding, Assam A Paat Mekhela Chador is a traditional two-piece Assamese silk garment handwoven in Assam, Northeast India using Paat silk — mulberry silk produced by the Bombyx mori silkworm, Assam's most prized silk variety, known for its natural bright lustre, fine texture, and exceptional drape. Unlike a saree, the Mekhela Chador is worn as two separate pieces: the mekhela (the lower wrap secured at the waist) and the chador (the upper drape that passes over the shoulder). Together they form the definitive formal dress of Assamese women — at Bihu celebrations, at weddings, and at every occasion where Assamese identity is worn with pride. A matching blouse piece is included. Assam — The Only Source Paat silk is specific to Assam. The mulberry silkworms are reared in Assam's river-valley districts — Sualkuchi, the silk-weaving town on the Brahmaputra known as the Manchester of the East, and surrounding weaving communities that have practised this craft for centuries. Shoppers across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune searching for an authentic Assam Paat Mekhela Chador — not a machine-made imitation — will find this piece exactly what they are looking for: confirmed Assam Paat silk provenance and genuine handloom craft. Fabric & Feel Paat silk is finer, brighter, and more tightly structured than other Indian silk varieties. It carries a natural sheen that needs no embellishment to be noticed, drapes with composed authority, and holds pleats cleanly through long Bihu evenings and wedding ceremonies. Occasions & India/UK/USA Reach The natural Bihu festival garment — for Rongali Bihu in spring, Kongali Bihu in autumn, and Bhogali Bihu in winter — across Assam, and for Bihu cultural programmes and Assamese community events in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. A distinguished Indian wedding and reception garment for Assamese families across India. For the Assamese and broader Indian diaspora in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edison (New Jersey), Houston (Texas), Chicago (Illinois), Toronto, Sydney, and Melbourne, it is the most culturally specific and authentic Assamese garment available internationally. Styling Pair with a plain raw silk or Paat silk blouse in ivory, gold, or soft mustard — the classical Assamese Bihu and wedding palette. Simple gold jewellery with traditional Assamese junbiri (moon pendant necklace) or keru (ear ornament) completes the look with complete cultural coherence. Highlights Fabric: Authentic Paat (Mulberry) Silk, handwoven in Assam Garment type: Two-piece Mekhela Chador — traditional Assamese formal dress Design: Kingkhap-inspired geometric border and scattered floral buti field Blouse piece: Included Occasions: Bihu (Rongali, Kongali, Bhogali), Assamese weddings, Diwali, cultural galas, gifting Care: Dry clean only; store in muslin away from humidity and sunlight Shipping: India, UK, USA, EU, Canada, Australia Frequently Asked Questions What is a Paat Mekhela Chador and how is it worn? A Paat Mekhela Chador is a traditional two-piece Assamese silk garment. The mekhela is the lower wrap secured at the waist with pleats tucked in front; the chador is the upper drape that passes over the left shoulder. Paat refers to mulberry silk — Assam's finest silk variety — woven by handloom weavers in Assam's traditional weaving communities, particularly in and around Sualkuchi on the Brahmaputra. Which occasions is this garment best suited for? It is ideal for all three Bihu festivals (Rongali, Kongali, Bhogali), Assamese weddings and receptions, Diwali cultural galas, and gifting for Assamese diaspora communities — across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune, and internationally in the UK, USA, EU, Canada, and Australia. How do I care for a Paat Mekhela Chador? Dry cleaning is strongly recommended to preserve the Paat silk's natural lustre and the integrity of the woven kingkhap border and buti motifs. Store folded in soft muslin in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Does this ship across India and internationally? Yes. We ship to all major Indian cities — Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune — and internationally to the UK (London, Birmingham, Manchester), the USA (Edison NJ, Houston TX, Chicago IL), EU, Canada, and Australia. Is a blouse piece included? Yes, a matching blouse piece is included.