It is believed that the Gurung people are mostly a group of people living in Nepal. Himalayan area of Nepal or, more specifically, the sub Himalayan region. They are a group of people who have an eye for customs that are unique to them. They have a distinctive dress code. The attire, which is practical and elegant in equal measure, reflect the continuity of cultural traditions and the harsh conditions of the mountains.
Gurung Women’s Dress
The traditional Gurung dress designed for females is a beautiful outfit that includes the following:
- Phariya The Phariya is a wrap-around skirt, it is generally made from the local production of a fabric called hand-woven fabric. They are made to be designed longitudinally, and are often embellished with various ornaments and vibrantly colored,” He said, adding that this was an effort to show the artistic talent of the people in the community. It is worn by passing it over the head. Phariya wears by passing it across the head. It is then placed at the waist. It is secured with the use of a belt or sash.
- Chaubandi Cholo: It is a perfect blouse with four tie strings on the front. The fabric is typically made from silk or cotton and features decorative embroidery as well as other kinds of sedate stitching. The garment is complemented with the Cholo Chaubandi which may have intricate designs made of metallic or made from gold.
- Hanki originally designed to be a practical piece of clothing The Hanki is a form of headband worn by Gurung women. If it is eaten, it can be fashioned in vibrant clothes and tied in a specific manner that accentuates elegance.
Men Gurung Traditional dress
The traditional Gurung dress for men is also stunning and shows their rough life style:
- Kachhad Kachhad is also known as a loincloth. Although extremely basic and practical it is the one that Gurung guys wear. It is a wrap around the waist and is made from wool or cotton.
- Bhoto Bhoto: A long, woolen dress that is worn just for occasions like weddings or other celebrations. Bhoto is a significant component of a man’s wardrobe. Usually, it is embellished with elaborate stitching and ornaments that reflect the wearer’s status and status.
- Topi The Topi is a symbol of the traditional Gurung man’s dress code, which is an embroidered woolen cap unique in design. It could be conical, cylindrical or triangular. It can be plain or decorated with vibrant colored tassels, or thread work.
Cultural Significance
Gurung the traditional dress that is still used among people of the Gurung ethnic group has a huge historical significance to them. Alongside being connected to identity and culture values, it also demonstrates utilitarian and practicality in the harsh mountain environments. The warm woolen fabric is protection from cold layers of clothing and is a symbol of the vegetation of cold climates forward it’s as if one was dressed for the winter season. The vivid colors and beautiful intricate designs are a symbol of happiness and the beauty of natural world.
Traditionally in the past, traditional Gurung population of Nepal utilized to dress in traditional clothes that have been gaining a lot of recognition for their practice. While the young people from the region are enthused by the dress code that is that is associated with traditional clothing and traditions, they mostly dress in traditional attire during special occasions and holidays. However, there is a compromise nowadays because of the influx of Western fashion, even India is required to enter the contemporary world one day.
In this way, having a clear knowledge and appreciation of this particular dress type as a cultural item can go a long way in preserving the traditions for future generations of the Gurung people.