Kokyet


Kokyet, sometimes also spelled as Koyet, Koyyet, Koiyet, is a traditional Meitei men's headdress. It is made in twelve distinct designs. It is used in different Meitei cultural ceremonies, festivals, occasions, etc. It is used by both the common people as well as the royal people.
Its design is derived from the two horns of ancient Meitei deity Pakhangba, who could transfigure into many different divine forms. It is also the sacred protective symbolic representation of Sidaba of traditional Meitei religion.

Origin

The existence of Kokyet dates back to the era of Meitei king Nongda Lairen Pakhangba in Ancient Kangleipak. He used it as Kokyet Pheiyet, one of the designs of the costume.

In Indian Parliament

Since 2023, the Kokyet is used as a uniform item for the marshals of the Indian Parliament, as chosen by the Union Government of India.
The Kokyet which is used as a uniform is designed by Yumnam Bhumeshwor Singh a Nata Sankirtana artiste, Music Composer and Choreographer. The newly designed Kokyet drew inspiration from the "Salai Taret Kokyet", possessing seven colours representing seven Meitei clans, combined with another Meitei traditional handicraft "Lamthang Khullak".
Upon the reception of the Meitei traditional dress in the national level, Sunzu Bachaspatimaym, the then secretary of Manipur State Film Development Society, commented: