Bhutanese Dress

One of the most distinctive features of the Bhutanese is the traditional dress, unique garments that have evolved over thousands of years.

Men wear the Gho, a knee-length robe somewhat resembling a kimono that is tied at the waist by a traditional belt known as Kera. The pouchformed at the front of the Gho was traditionally used for carrying food bowls and a small dagger. Today it is accustomed for carrying small articles such as wallets, mobile phones, and Doma (beetle nut).Women wear the Kira, a long, ankle-length dress accompanied by a light outer jacket known as a Tego with an inner layer known as a Wonju.

Tribal and semi-nomadic people like the Bramis and Brokpas of eastern Bhutan generally wear clothing that differs from the rest of the Bhutanese population. The Brokpas and the Bramis both wear dresses woven either out of Yak or Sheep hair.

Bhutanese still wear long scarves when visiting Dzongs and other administrative centres. The scarves worn vary in colour, signifying the wearer’s status or rank.  The scarf worn by men is known as Kabney while those worn by women are known as Rachu. The Rachu is hung over the left shoulder of a woman. Unlike the scarves worn by men, Rachus traditionally did not have any specific rank associated with its colour. However, with women joining the ranks with men now, some Rachushave been retrofitted to indicate these ranks.

 

Rachus are usually woven out of raw silk and embroidered with beautiful rich patterns.

Rank Kabney/Scarf
The King Yellow
Je Khenpo (Head Abbot) Yellow
Minister Orange
Judge Green
District Administrator Red with a small white stripe
Commoner White

 

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