A cultural symbol of Mithilanchal, the Paag -- a traditional headgear -- has become a subject of discussion in Bihar’s election season after videos involving BJP’s Alinagar candidate and singer Maithili Thakur and MLA Ketakee Singh drew public reactions online. A debate began after Maithili Thakur was accused of disrespecting the Paag, along with a remark from Ketakee Singh that further triggered controversy. What began as an election campaign event in Darbhanga turned into a discussion on heritage, pride, and identity for the Mithila region.
The first video that surfaced online purportedly showed singer Maithili Thakur inside a car, placing makhanas in a Paag, while eating some of the snack, which has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. In the clip, she is also seen saying "ahaan ke roz darshan deb" (I will come every day to give auspicious sight to you all) -- gesturing her hand as aashirwaad (blessing) -- to someone from the crowd surrounding her car.
When Maithili Thakur allegedly appeared to use it as a bowl, many interpreted it as disrespectful. "Being from Mithila, does she not understand the Maithili tradition? BJP's one ticket goes in vain," one social media user wrote. Another social media user expressed outrage saying that the region’s symbol of prestige had been reduced to a utensil.
The videos prompted criticism on social media. Soon after, Maithili Thakur issued an apology, explaining that the incident was unintentional. “Mera maksad Paag ka apmaan karna nahi tha. Balki samay aur paristhitiyan aisi thi ki woh apne aap ho gaya. Agar kisi ko isse thees pahuchi, to main dil se maafi maangti hoon (I did not intend to disrespect the Paag. The circumstances were such that it happened on its own. If anyone is hurt, I apologise from my heart),” she said speaking to AajTak.
According to her, while returning from a campaign event, local women had offered her makhana. She claimed when it started spilling, she placed it temporarily in the Paag -- as advised by her driver -- that had been gifted to her as a mark of honour. “The woman poured the makhanas from her bag in the Paag and she also fed me some makhana,” Maithili clarified in another video.
Even as this controversy simmered, another video featuring BJP MLA Ketakee Singh from UP’s Bansdih in Ballia district drew additional criticism. At a public meeting for Thakur's promotion in the campaign in Darbhanga's Alinagar, Singh was welcomed with a Paag. The footage appeared to show her placing it aside after gesturing dismissively. But what truly drew criticism was her statement: “Yeh Paag Mithila ka samman nahi hai… Mithila ka samman to yeh hai, (This Paag is not Mithila's pride, Mithila's pride is her -- Thakur)” she said, pointing toward Maithili Thakur. Opposition parties, including the RJD, criticised the remarks, accusing her of insulting Mithila’s heritage.
RJD wrote in Maithili on X, "Mithila mein paag sir par pahnab yogya vastra matra nahi aichh, ee samman, sanskar aa astimaak prateek aichh. Jekra paag pahnaayal jaay, okra prati samaaj apan aadar aa sweekriti day chhai. Mithila sanskriti mein paag ke sthaan ohne chhay, jaisey raajak mukut. Eehan sthiti mein jaun kono vyakti ahankaar mein aabi kinko paag sa besi thaharbait okra fenki daiy chhai, ta o kewal vastu nahi, poora mithila sanskriti, parampara aa maryadak apmaan karait aicch."
Translated in English, it means that Mithila's Paag is not just a cloth to be worn, or simple an object. "Whosoever, is adorned with it, is given respect and acceptability in society. In Mithila's culture, it has the same importance as a king's crown. If anyone who has respected it by throwing it, has not just disrespected it but also the entire culture, heritage and dignity of Mithila," it said.
Facing growing outrage, Singh later clarified her stance, saying she never intended to disrespect the symbol. “Paag ko Bharat hi nahi, poore vishv ke log samman se dekhte hain (Paag is respected not just in India but in the world),” she told reporters, adding that her remark had been misunderstood.
“When I wear this, I feel I am an empowered Indian and I live in an empowered Bihar. Who am I to disrespect the Paag which was worn by Vidyapati and even PM Modi?," she said.
She further explained that she had tried put together Maithili Thakur and Goddess Sita, both being symbols of pride for Mithila.
“I tried to show Maithili and Maa Sita together. The way Paag and Maa Sita are our pride, in a similar manner, Maithili showcased her art and songs in the world.” She said Maithili Thakur is also Mithila's pride as Paag.
What is the cultural significance of Mithila's Paag?
The uproar has brought the focus back to what Paag truly represents for the people of Mithila. A study titled “Paag: Traditional Head Gear of Mithila Region of Bihar and its Relevance to Identification at Geographical Identity” by Madhupriya Jha Thakur of NIFT Mumbai describes the Paag as more than an attire -- it is an emblem of cultural continuity.
The paper notes that Maithils, the indigenous people of North Bihar and parts of Nepal, have long crafted their social and cultural products from natural resources. Among these, the Paag holds a vital place. Once worn daily by priests, scholars, and elders, it is now reserved for special occasions such as marriages, religious ceremonies, and Vidyapati festivals.
A form of Paag was used to made of sixty hand long fabric called 'Saantha', however, with time, availability of material has brought about changes in the way it is made. Its structure was earlier made using Kodhila (a type of spongy, aquatic plant found in Bihar). This material has been used to make 'Maurs' (headgear for grooms) in Mithila culture. Now due to its increasing unavailability, Paag and Maurs are created with handmade cardboard from local natural and waste materials and is covered with silk and cotton fabric.
It was also made using bamboo pulp cardboard and cotton fabric from dhotis. The colours held meaning: red for grooms, ochre for elders, and white for guests and dignitaries. At thread ceremony or 'Yagyopaveet sanskar', young men also wear red or pink Paag.
It is known to be linked to the Brahmin and Kayastha households in Bihar and is still used in ceremonies during marriages as per Mithila culture. However, Paag is not limited to these households only, it is a symbol of tradition in Mithila.
With time, artisans replaced natural dyes with chemical ones, and decorative elements like Mithila paintings and ghunus (tassels) became part of the design.
The Macmillan Dictionary defines the Paag as “a kind of headgear worn by people in the Mithila belt of India,” and India Post even featured it in 2017 among a set of commemorative stamps on the headgears of India.
Beyond its aesthetic value, the Paag is tied to dignity and social status. It has been part of life from birth to death in Mithila households. The expression 'Paag Bachau Abhiyan' or 'Save the Paag Campaign' emerged in recent years to revive its waning presence amomg youth.
Groups like Mithilalok Foundation have campaigned to have the Paag recognised as the official headgear of Bihar and to secure a GI tag to protect its uniqueness.
According to a 2019-2020 survey conducted in Darbhanga and Madhubani, only a handful of artisans -- mostly women -- still make Paags, using locally available materials. Each headgear takes two to three days to crafts and sells for around Rs 500 to Rs 800 in local markets.
In the political and cultural landscape of Mithila, the Paag is more than fabric and thread -- it is a visible link to ancestry, language and regional pride.
It was also offered to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Darbhanga MP Gopal Jee Thakur in 2021, along with a Mithila painting and a portrait of poet Vidyapati, as a token of respect.
The elections in Bihar will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11 to elect the 243 members of the Bihar Legislative Assembly.
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