The Gurung people are predominantly a group of people who inhabit the Himalayan region of Nepal or more specifically the sub Himalayan region people with a flair for unique customs they have an equally unique dress code. The clothes, which are practical and beautiful at the same time, express both the continuity of ethnic culture and the severe climate of mountains.
Gurung Women’s Costume
Gurung traditional dress for women is a graceful ensemble comprising the following:
- Phariya: This is a wrap-around skirt; it is usually made from some locally produced fabric known as hand-woven fabric. They have been designed longitudinally and are usually decorated with various ornamentations and brightly colored,” he said, adding that this was in a bid to demonstrate the artistic prowess of the community. The Phariya is worn by passing it over the head and lies around the waist and it should fastened with a belt or sash.
- Chaubandi Cholo: This is a fitting blouse where there are four strings of tie on the front part. It is commonly sewn from cotton or silk and has ornamental embroidery and other types of sedate stiching. This garment is complimented by the Chaubandi Cholo, which can have elaborate designs that are either silver or gold.
- Hanki: Originally a functional piece of clothing, the Hanki is a type of headscarf worn by the Gurung women. Eaten where allowed it can be made in brightly colored clothing and it is tied in a special way that brings elegance.
Men Gurung Traditional dress
Gurung traditional dress for men is equally impressive and reflects their rugged lifestyle:
- Kachhad: This is known as a loincloth and although very basic and practical, it is what the Gurung men wear. It is worn round the waist and can be made from cotton or wool.
- Bhoto: A long garment made of wool, and worn only during events such as marriages and other celebrations, the Bhoto is a very significant part of any man’s wardrobe. Usually it is decorated with elaborate stitches and ornaments reflecting the owner’s rank and position.
- Topi: The Topi hence symbolizes traditional Gurung man dress code being a woolen cap that is uniquely designed. It can be cylindrical, conical or triangular in shape and could be plain, or adorned with bright colored tassels or thread work.
Cultural Significance
Gurung traditional dress still worn by the Gurung ethnic group has great historical meaning to them. Apart from being associated with identity and cultural values, manifests utility and functionality in the unforgiving mountain environment. The warm woolen fabrics mean protection against cold from the clothes and the layered clothing stands for the cold climate vegetation forwardly it is as if one is dressed for the winter climate The rich colours and the beautiful and intricate designs are associated with joy and prosperity the beauty of the nature.
Traditionally, the Gurung people of Nepal used to wear traditional dresses which are now gaining much attention into practice again. As much as the youths in the region appreciate the dressing code associated with various traditional clothes, most of them put on the traditional wears on special occasions and festivals. However there is a compromise today because owing to the inflows of the Western fashion even India needs to step into the modern age some day.
For this reason, proper understanding and appreciation for this type of dress as a cultural product will go a long way in maintaining the appropriate culture for generations of the Gurung people.
