Lungi on Trial

Photo: Prabir Das

What can one possibly have against lungis? Compared to war crimes, genocides, vandalism, terrorism and down right dirty politics, the lungi's alleged offense seems quite innocuous don't you think? The lungi has after all served as our national outfit for men loyally for as far back as anyone can remember.

Let me tell you something about the lungi. It was and continues to be the most comfortable, convenient attire ever to be invented. Slip it on, tie and knot and you're good to go. In this hot weather, it provides plenty of ventilation and wearing one is like walking around with your own personal air conditioner. It can be worn as a part of wedding attire or it can be put to good use as sleepwear. Men have worn it to work and play on a daily basis for centuries not only in Bangladesh, but many other countries in the sub-continent as well. It represents the essence of our culture, which is pure, colourful, festive, free and full of life.

Now let me tell you what a lungi is not. First and foremost, it is not a hypocrite. It has no double standards. It does not claim to be superior to other outfits, nor does it discriminate between class, race, gender, religion or ethnicity. A lungi is not arrogant, judgmental, destructive or disloyal. All it asks, is for its wearers to show it the same courtesy.

Unfortunately, a certain group of people known as the Baridhara Society (Baridhara's home owner's association) have decided that the lungi is guilty of being substandard and recently, banished it from their posh community, where only trousers can be seen ruling the streets. “We just wanted the rickshaw- pullers to put on decent clothes,” they said, hence accusing the lungi of being offensive. The lungi represents poverty, and poverty is something to be hidden and embarrassed about, not shamelessly displayed while driving rickshaws! And just like that, the national outfit, our pride and joy became enemy number one.

The wearers were forced to betray the lungi for trousers as their very livelihood was put to stake. So what if they couldn't afford the more expensive garments? So what if trousers are hot and uncomfortable and difficult to pedal in? At least they help keep up appearances. Such was the new law in this community, enforced by guards instructed to turn away those who dare defy it.

What this association didn't realise, was that lungis still hold a soft spot with many members of our trouser wearing society. When something becomes a part of one's daily existence, it just blends into the background of life, whether it's a religion one barely follows or a liberation war that gave us our precious independence- that is the way of the world. Over time, we take it for granted, we don't think about it consciously, and we don't realise its importance until we are at a risk of losing it.

Vilifying lungis served the purpose of reminding many that it is important and valuable. It reminded many that lungis represent everything we once were and still strive to be. The ban on lungis brought about a surprising show of solidarity from those who didn't even know they felt so strongly about it. Over 10,000 people signed up for a lungi march through Baridhara to show their sentiments regarding the society's treatment of this important garment. Residents and non-residents of Baridhara alike began to question the ban and demand it be lifted.

Being in the middle of a chaotic political climate, faced with the threat of losing so much that we hold dear, the lungi's reputation being put to question seems like a small issue to worry about. Yet, people were able to see the difference between right and wrong and stand up for justice. The ban has now been lifted (or so they say, a rickshaw ride is advised to confirm this).  The lungi was acquitted of all the unfair charges against it and restored to all its former glory.

The lungi crisis, in the end left us to ponder over a much needed lesson. This being, if we believe in what is important, what is just and what is right and unite to stand up for it, we have the ability to reclaim whatever is being forcefully taken from us. The lungi has risked its integrity to remind us of the power we have to regain control over our lives. It would be a shame to let it down.