The traditional dress of Sikkim is a combination of different colours and patterns representing the state’s history, identity, and social reforms. The dress also showcases the diversity of ethnic groups within the state borders. The three main residential communities of Sikkim are the Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalis. Though people from different states have settled here and there the traditional dress of Sikkim stays the same. Also, these traditional dresses are proof of how different ethnic groups can exist in peace while respecting their unique traditions. Let’s find out about the types of traditional dresses you can find in Sikkim:
Tribal And Traditional Dresses of Sikkim
Here are the six traditional dresses of Sikkim worn regularly and on special occasions:
1. Bhutia Tribe – Bakhu/Kho
The traditional dress of Sikkim people and Bhutias is called Bakhu as per the Nepalese dialect or Kho as per Bhutia dialect. The dress is worn by both Sikkimnsese men and women.
Bakhu is a loose cloak-like dress that is tied at the neck and is tightened around the waist with the help of a belt. The belt is made of either silk or cotton. However, in modern times, the way of wearing Bakhu is also evolving. For instance, women now pair it with jeans to add a little Western twist. The shawl they carry is called Majetro, paired with an elegant blouse known as Chaubandi Cholo and Tharo Cholo.
Note: Bakhu is very similar to the Tibetan dress known as Chuba, except that Bakhu is sleeveless.
2.Thokro-Dum
Thokro-Dum is the most important traditional Sikkim dress for the Lepcha people. Generally, this traditional dress is worn by the breadwinners of the family. This beautiful dress has a white pyjama that reaches the calves. They wear a shirt known as Yenthatse and Shambo, which is an embroidered cap.
On one shoulder, they pin a hand-woven, colourful cloth known as Dumpra and the rest of it is held in place with the help of a waistband. The short length indicates how men have adapted to or lived long in marshy lands. The texture of the cloth is rough and thus long-lasting.
Ocassionally, they also wear cone-shaped bamboo and rattan hats. There are also intricately woven hats known as Thyaktuk, representing a deep connection to history and authenticity. These are made using fine canes from bamboo and straws. Another hat is made using fine velvet cloth known as Anok Thakytuk. These are still worn during special occasions like festivities and marriages.
Note: These hats were used as a traditional headgear of royal soldiers during the Chogyal dynasty.
3.Dumvum
The traditional dress of Sikkim for Lepcha tribe women is a saree-like cloth known as Dumvum or Dumyam. The garment is smooth and silky to the touch and reaches the ankle. The elegance and beauty of this dress blend comfort with culture beautifully.
Beneath the Dumvum, they wear a loose-fitting blouse, known as Tago, which is generally in a contrasting colour to the Dumvum. To complete this look, they wear a belt known as Nyamrek, along with a cap called Taro. These women also carry a beautiful scarf called Gorey, which is used to cover the head.
Lepcha men wear costumes made of rough-textured material because they work hard in the fields and forests. These costumes are heavy compared to women’s dresses. The dresses of men are also up to calf length, depicting their life in marshy lands, while women’s dresses reflect their life on dry lands.
The cloth they wear to cover the upper half of the body is known as Dum Praa. It consists of different patterns, from the oldest floral designs and patterns (Tagaap) to scissor motifs (Khemchu) and butterfly patterns (Tamblyoak).
4.Shuruval
Shuruval is worn by Nepalese men of Sikkim. This is a long double-breasted cloth that flows between the waist and the trousers. They wore a pyjama or shirt known as Daura and a bottom known as churidar. They also wear waistcoats known as Askot and Patuki. It is a belt worn to complete the Shuruval. These men also carry the Khukri. It is a heavy weapon carried in a leather case known as Daab.
5.Pharia
To raise the classiness of Nepalese women, they wear a traditional dress called Pharia. This beautiful traditional dress of Sikkim is available in different hues.
Meanwhile, in the Bhutia tribe, they wear a long and loose blouse stitched on all four sides. This is known as Chaubandi Cholo. To completely cover their upper half they elegantly wrapped a piece of cloth in stunning patterns and prints, known as Hembari. They also wear a shawl called Majetro. Apart from Paharia, Nepalese women wear a piece of colourful cloth from head to waist while dancing. This is called Pachauri.
Wedding Dress of Sikkim
The brides in Sikkim are adorned with the beauty of the royal Bakhu, especially made using the finest of silk. A similar type of dress is worn by the groom along with loose trousers.
Both men and women wear leather boots as footwear. The whole dress shows the grand celebration and joy of marriage. For accessories, they wear gold jewellery which displays the simplicity and cultural taste of these people.
Types of Traditional Jewellery Worn by Different Tribes
1. Lepchas
For special occasions and festivities, women of this tribe wore traditional pieces of jewellery, which are mostly made of gold and silver. They wore jewellery called the Namchok (worn in ears), Lyak (a necklace) and Gyar (a beautiful bracelet).
The women of this tribe wore jewellery which are made of pure 24-carat gold. The names for different types of jewellery are Joko (ring), Yencho (earring), Khao (necklace), Phiru (pearl ornament), Diu (gold bangle), and Khalli (thick silver-coated anklets). Since these pieces are made of gold, they’re quite heavy.
2. Nepalese Ornaments
These ornaments are known for their flashy look and are worn by the women. These pieces of jewelry include everything from head to toe. These Nepalese women wore a Sir-Bandi or tiara (head ornament), Kantha (a necklace), Naugeri (pearl necklace), Charanihari (necklace), Tihari (green beads with an elongated gold pendant; married woman), Bulaki (a nose ring), Dungri (a nose pin), and Gadwari (an earring). Some other jewelry include a silver churra, Kalli, a thick silver anklet, and a bracelet.
Know More about Traditional Dress of West Bengal Here.
Wrapping Up
Don’t you think the outfits and jewellery worn in Sikkim are a perfect blend of diversity, tradition, and comfort? The traditional dresses of Sikkim also depict the serenity of the surroundings and the calm. If you are in Sikkim must wear these outfits and understand the culture of this beautiful place.
