Guwahati, 31 March (HS): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was seen wearing traditional Assamese attire while attending the Bharatiya Janata Party’s manifesto release event for the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 in Guwahati on Tuesday.

The rich cultural heritage of Assam was on display as the minister arrived at the party headquarters dressed in a golden “Muga” silk Mekhela Chador. Her attire reflected the elegance of Assamese tradition and drew appreciation from those present at the event, who expressed pride in the state’s cultural identity.

After unveiling the manifesto, Sitharaman said that the BJP’s vision document is rooted in a decade of transformation in Assam, highlighting the party’s development-oriented approach in the state.

The event was attended by senior leaders including Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and state BJP president Dilip Saikia, among others.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has on several occasions promoted Assamese culture by wearing the traditional ‘Gamocha’ on global platforms. Sitharaman’s choice of attire is also being seen as a gesture to highlight and popularize the traditional dress of Assamese women.

The Mekhela Chador is a traditional two-piece attire worn by women in Assam. It consists of a skirt-like lower garment called the Mekhela and an upper drape known as the Chador. Commonly made from Muga silk, Pat silk, or cotton, it is considered more comfortable and easier to wear than a saree, and remains especially popular during festivals like Bihu and weddings.--------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash