TAKING TOURISM TO THE TOP

Bhutanese Attire

The traditional dress worn by Bhutanese men today called gho was reproduced from the dress worn by the Guru himself. And the women’s kira, according to some oral literature, is supposed to have been evolved from the dress of Guru’s consorts. In ancient times and even today, people carried daggers secured on the belt. Officials with rank and power wear a long sword called the patang. This sword, which can be used both as a tool and a weapon, is symbolic of men defending the country as well as building it. Both Bhutanese men and women wear a scarf while on important occasion and entering a dzong or a monastery. As a symbol of respect, the scarf is lowered in front of those with honorable position, including the king. The color of the scarves denote the position of authority and responsibility. Ordinary Bhutanese wear white scarves. The red scarf is awarded to Bhutanese who have outstanding contribution to the nation in various fields by His Majesty the King. The awardees are referred to as Dasho, the excellent one. The parliamentarians wear blue scarf. The yellow scarf is worn by His Majesty the King and the Je Khenpo. A woman’s equivalent of the scarf is called the Rachu. Rachus worn by ordinary women are hung over the shoulder and is woven in colorful embroidery. The western-style casual dresses are becoming increasingly popular among the Bhutanese out of the office hours.