National Dress of Bhutan

 

This photo was taken during our third year (2nd semester) for the creative arts module. Basically to give a brief explanation of the photo we were given the opportunity to make a short clip on any existing topic or either to compose the script on our own. Our group chose on one of the folktale of our country (Azhi Dunglidolma). The story mainly revolve around the youngest princess who is more generous as compare to her two elder sisters. 

Through this, children can firstly identify the typical Bhutanese alter room which basically consist of a statue and the Buddhist text as shown above. Every house has a choesham (altar) entirely made of wood. Generally the altars will have carvings like choetsi and other designs such as dragons, flowers, eight lucky signs and mythological animals, on the main structure in accordance with the desires of the owner.

Secondly, they can also know about the National Dress of our country (Gho & Kira). Gho and Kira are the traditional dress of the people of Bhutan. Though the dresses are a part of their cultural identity, the law mandates government officials to wear them. Gho refers to the traditional dress of men of Bhutan. It is a knee-length cloth tied at the waist with a cloth belt known as the Kera. Gho is mandatory for every man of Bhutan who works in a government office or school. Gho was introduced by Zhanbdrung Ngawang Namgyel to create a distinct identity that has an affinity to their culture.

Kira is the national dress of women in Bhutan. It is an ankle-length dress worn with a piece of rectangular cloth, wrapped and folded around the body and pinned at both shoulders. It is worn with a long-sleeved blouse called wonju, and a short jacket called toego.

Lastly, Women wear a rachu, a narrow embroidered cloth draped over the left shoulder. The rank of the bearer will determine the colour of kabney or rachu that he or she wears. The commoners will wear a white kabney (males) while the females will wear colourful rachu with intricate design.