Paag

The Paag is a headdress in the Mithila region of India and Nepal worn by Maithil Brahmin and Karna Kayastha people. It is a symbol of honour and respect and a significant part of Maithil Brahmin culture.[1]

Different colour paags on display

History and style

Paag is not the dress of everyone in the Maithili speaking region. The tradition of applying Paag in the Maithili region is in Brahmin and Karna Kayastha. Folk of other caste do not wear Paag. Brahminical sub-clans are being attacked by other caste communities in the Maithili speaking region. This is Brahmin expansionism. In Mithila region, there is a desire to wear a Pagadi or a Muretha. People of all castes apply it. Brahmins and Karna-Kayasthas wear their Paag on the occasion of their Upanayana, marriage. Now it is being forced on the forehead to all people by Brahmin.

The Paag dates back to pre-historic times when it was made of plant leaves.[2] It exists today in a modified form. The Paag is wore by the whole Maithil community .[3]The colour of the Paag also carries a lot of significance. The red Paag is worn by the bridegroom and by those who are undergoing the sacred thread rituals. Paag of mustard colour is donned by those attending wedding ceremonies and the elders wear a white Paag.[4]

Campaign

A campaign to promote use of the paag was begun in 2016 by Mithilalok, a Mithila cultural pressure group set up in that year by Brahmin People. Called Paag Bachau Abhiyan (Save the Paag Campaign), Mithilalok was associated with a proposed symbolic wearing of the garment by some representatives in the Bihar Legislative Council in August 2016, and also with a move to have it recognised as an official head-dress of the state of Bihar.[5]

Paags designed and developed by Mithilalok are of different shades, colours and shapes considering fitting and suitability.

In order to demonstrate and send across the message of the Culture of Mithila and India, Paag March is held by Mithilalok wherein a large number of people take to streets wearing traditional Paag on their heads.[5]

Depiction on a postage stamp

On 10 February 2017, India Posts released a set of sixteen commemorative postage stamps on "Headgears of India". The Mithila Paag was featured on one of those postage stamps.[6]

References
  1. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Donning-Mithilas-paag-in-Houses/articleshow/53480415.cms
  2. http://postagestamps.gov.in/Pdfbind.ashx?id=247
  3. http://www.jansatta.com/duniya-mere-aage/pagg-tradition-in-mithila/47943/
  4. http://www.politicalmirror.com/paag-it-stands-for-honour-dignity-of-maithils/
  5. Chaudhary, Pranava Kumar (31 July 2016). "Mithila's traditional 'Paag' (headgear) to reach Bihar Houses". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  6. http://postagestamps.gov.in/Pdfbind.ashx?id=247

Further reading
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