Traditional dress in Nepal changes from region to region and community to community. Some pieces have become symbols of the nation.
Quick answer: The national dress for men is the daura suruwal (a tied tunic with fitted trousers) with a dhaka topi cap. Women wear the gunyu cholo (a blouse with a draped skirt and shawl) or a sari, especially on festivals. Newar women wear the black haku patasi with a red border; Sherpa and Tibetan women wear the long chuba with a striped apron when married.
Dhaka
Dhaka is a colourful, patterned hand-woven cloth. It is used for topi caps and shawls. The town of Palpa (Tansen) is famous for it, and Tehrathum and other hill districts weave it too. Dhaka topis make great souvenirs.
When people wear it
In cities, most people wear modern clothes day to day. Traditional dress comes out for festivals, weddings and official events. See Nepali weddings.
Regional dress
- Newar: haku patasi, worn at Indra Jatra and other festivals.
- Sherpa and Tibetan: chuba and apron (pangden).
- Tharu: bright skirts, blouses and silver jewellery.
- Gurung: the bhangra cloth and velvet blouses.
Buying
Look for dhaka in Asan, Kathmandu, or in Tansen. See shopping guide and what to wear in Nepal.