Changing Traditional Attire and Practices Among Bodos

Traditional costumes for kings, commanders, and soldiers, along with masks of demons, tigers, lions, and monkeys, were once integral to Bodo open theatre (yatra gan or langdang gaon). Forehead ornaments, varying by rank, were also used. However, the prevalence of these performances and the use of these traditional dresses and ornaments have significantly decreased since the late 20th century.

Bodo men commonly visit barbers, with traditional hairstyles remaining prevalent. However, younger generations occasionally adopt modern 'zig-zag' styles. The use of headgear and turbans is decreasing, mostly seen among elders, though turbans are still popular as an art form in traditional dances. Young people wear woolly or cloth caps in winter, along with flat caps and Panama caps. Women have replaced traditional porcupine spine (mwdi shu) and bamboo hairpins (khati) with plastic pins and hair clips (khilif). Most young girls now favor ponytails or other modern hairstyles over traditional hair locks.

While sandals and shoes made from leather, plastic, rubber, and cloth have become common, traditional wooden footwear called 'Phwitha' is now obsolete. The use of motor tire slippers is also declining, rarely seen and primarily used by older men.