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Bhutanese women wearing kiras. The kira ( Dzongkha: དཀྱི་ར་, དཀྱིས་རས་, romanized : dkyi-ra, dkyis-ras) [1] is the national dress for women in Bhutan. It is an ankle-length dress consisting of a rectangular piece of woven fabric. It is wrapped and folded around the body and is pinned at both shoulders, usually ...
Bhutan's sixth Five-Year Plan (1987–92) included a policy of 'one nation, one people' and introduced a code of traditional Drukpa dress and etiquette called Driglam Namzhag. The dress element of this code required all citizens to wear the gho (a knee-length robe for men) and the kira (an ankle-length dress for women). [43]
- Unitary parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy
Dec 18, 2020 · A typical kira entailed a single rectangular cloth wrapped around the wearer with a hem that teased around the calves. As time progressed into the 1970s, women started wearing wonju and toego with bold and bright floral patterns. The hem now reached the ankles. Towards the 1980s, kiras became cooler shades.
Women wear a long dress called a kira, held by silver hooks on the shoulder and tied with a sash at the waist. A short jacket is worn on top of the kira. These garments, worn originally by the Buddhist Bhutanese in the north, has become the national dress and is worn by most Bhutanese.
- Gho: Traditional Attire For Men
- Kira: Traditional Attire For Women
- Bhutan National Dress; Dressing Etiquette and Occasions
- Modern Adaptations and Fashion Trends For Bhutan National Dress
- How to Wear A Gho and Kira
- Maintenance and Care of Bhutan National Dress
- Economic Impact of Bhutan National Dress and Tourism Promotion
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- References
Origin and History
The gho, a distinctive robe-like garment, has been a part of Bhutanese culture for centuries. It traces its origins back to the 17th century, during the reign of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the spiritual and political leader who unified Bhutan. The gho was introduced as a way to distinguish Bhutanese men from their Tibetan counterparts.
Design and Features
The gho is a knee-length robe made from woven fabric, usually cotton or silk. It is wrapped around the body, held in place with a belt called the kera. The gho is usually patterned with intricate designs, representing various auspicious symbols and traditional motifs. It features long sleeves and is worn with knee-high socks and leather shoes called tshoglham.
Significance and Cultural Importance
The gho holds immense cultural significance in Bhutan. It not only symbolizes the country’s distinct identity but also represents equality and modesty. Wearing the gho is considered a mark of respect for Bhutanese tradition and heritage. It is commonly worn for formal occasions, religious ceremonies, and governmental functions.
Origin and History
The kira is the traditional attire worn by Bhutanese women. Similar to the gho, it has deep historical roots and has been a part of Bhutanese culture for centuries. The kira evolved from the clothing worn during the reign of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and has since become an integral part of Bhutanese identity.
Design and Features
The kira is an ankle-length dress made from vibrant, colorful fabric. It is a wrap-around garment that is fastened at the shoulder with a brooch or buckle known as the koma. The kira is often made from hand-woven textiles, featuring intricate patterns and designs that showcase the weaving skills of Bhutanese artisans.
Significance and Cultural Importance
The kira is more than just a piece of clothing; it represents the beauty, grace, and elegance of Bhutanese women. It is worn with great pride and is a symbol of cultural preservation and national identity. The kira is worn for various occasions, including weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies.
In Bhutan, there are specific rules and etiquette associated with wearing the gho and kira. It is essential to understand and respect these cultural norms when donning the national dress. The gho for men and kira for women are typically worn during formal occasions, religious ceremonies, festivals, and important events. Bhutanese people take great ...
While the gho and kira have remained largely unchanged over the years, there have been some modern adaptations and fashion trends. Today, designers in Bhutan are exploring innovative ways to incorporate contemporary elements into the traditional attire, making it more versatile and appealing to the younger generation. These adaptations include expe...
Wearing the gho and kira requires some practice and understanding of the proper techniques. Here are the basic steps to wear each attire:
To maintain the beauty and longevity of the gho and kira, proper care is essential. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for the Bhutanese national dress: 1. Dry clean the gho and kira to preserve the fabric and colors. 2. Store the garments in a cool, dry place to avoid damage from moisture. 3. Handle the gho and kira with care to prevent...
The Bhutanese national dress, with its unique and captivating aesthetics, plays a significant role in promoting tourism and contributing to the country’s economy. Many visitors are fascinated by the gho and kira and are eager to learn about Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. As a result, the demand for locally made gho and kira has increased, creatin...
1. Can foreigners wear the gho and kira? Yes, foreigners are welcome to wear the gho and kira, especially during festivals and cultural events. It is seen as a gesture of respect for Bhutanese traditions and can enhance the cultural experience for visitors. 2. Are there specific colors or designs for the gho and kira? The gho and kira come in a var...
The Bhutanese national dress, comprising the gho for men and kira for women, represents the deep-rooted traditions, cultural heritage, and national identity of Bhutan. The gho and kira are not just garments; they are symbols of pride, unity, and the preservation of Bhutanese culture. By embracing and promoting the national dress, Bhutan continues t...
Bhutan Cultural Atlas: https://bhutanculturalatlas.clcs.edu.bt/Tourism Council of Bhutan: https://www.tourism.gov.bt/Bhutanese Traditional Dress. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bhutannow.com/dressBhutanese Textiles. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bhutantextiles.comPeople also ask
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Why does Bhutan wear a gho Kira?
The gho or g'ô (Dzongkha: བགོ, IPA:) is the traditional and national dress for men in Bhutan. Introduced in the 17th century by Ngawang Namgyal , 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche , to give the Ngalop people a more distinctive identity, it is a knee-length robe tied at the waist by a cloth belt known as the kera ( Dzongkha : སྐེད ...
While machine milled traditional clothing is popular for daily wear, the traditionally woven dress is worn on all formal occasions including working in the office. At birth, marriage, death and promotion gifts of cloth are offered. On formal occasions, the Bhutanese wear their best hand-woven clothes. The woman’s kera is an ankle length dress.
