Dhaka topi

In Nepal Bhasa, thread is called 'ka (का). In Nepal Bhasa, raw thread is called kachika (काचीका), while the decorative thread worn by women when tying their hair is called sachika (साचीका). Similarly, the special thread used to make caps is called dhaka (धाका). A cap made from fabric woven with dhaka' is called a Dhaka topi (Dhaka cap). The Dhaka topi was a part of the Nepalese national dress, and a symbol of Nepalese nationality. It became popular during the reign of King Mahendra, who ruled between 1955 and 1972, and made wearing a Dhaka topi mandatory for official photographs for passports and documents. Dhaka topis was also worn by government officials as a part of the national dress. In the times of King Mahendra, dhaka topis for rent were available near the Singha Durbar (literally Lion Hall) in Kathmandu. == Significance ==

Although Dhaka clothing no longer dominates Nepalese fashion, it remains an integral part of the hill and hilla region. . While many Nepalis now seldom wear a cap unless they are attending some cultural programme, International Nepali Dhoti and Topi Day is a day celebrated by Nepali people globally on 1 January to keep Nepali traditional fashion alive. Nepalis of Madhesi and Tharu ethnicity wear Dhoti-kurtha and Gamchha, while all Nepali people wear Dhaka and Bhadgaunle topis on that day. Though topis are more prevalent in the day than dhoti, Madhesis have taken the opportunity to promote their distinct identity. Madhesis and Tharu are often discriminated against because of their refusal to wear Dhaka topi. ==Dhaka cloth==

Dhaka, the hand-spun cotton inlay-pattern weaving used to make intricately patterned, colourful panels for Dhaka topis, is the most remarkable and visible cotton textile in Nepal. Pre-dyed cotton is imported from India and weaved by master craftspeople into intricate patterns using only a few colours. Some farmers and weavers have made preliminary trials of a silk Dhaka topi cloth with limited success. There are different myths about the origin of Dhaka fabric. One story tells that a minister returned from Dhaka, Bangladesh with idea of such a topi, which eventually replaced the traditional black cap in popularity. Another story tells that name is so because the originally cloths and threads for Dhaka topi used to come from Dhaka, often resembling Dhakai muslin (fine cotton of Dhaka). The method of pattern weaving practised around Dhaka, called Jamdani, is considerably different from what is currently practised by Nepalese weavers. As the Shah dynasty government showed a preference for Dhaka cloth and topis made out of it, other weavers started following Maharajan. By early 1970, his own factory Swadeshi Vastrakala Palpali Dhaka Udhyog had grown to employ some 350 workers. Limbus and Rais from the middle mountains are famous for the Dhaka cloth they produce. Tansen, the most renowned source of Dhaka topis, is colourful town with Magar, Brahmin, Chhetris with Newars who came in the 19th century to seek their fortune. Apart its famous Dhaka fabric for topic, cholos and shawls, Tensen is also known for its metal craft including Karuwa mugs, jars and other items. It is a custom to buy Palpali Dhaka fabric products as souvenir while visiting the area, including topis, shawls and thailo purses that has two pairs of drawstrings to open and close the purse. A Dhaka topi industry has been established in Darjeeling by Indian Gorkhas. ==Topis==

The traditional outfit of Nepali men features Daura-Suruwal (Nepalese shirt and trouser suit), Patuka (cloth wrapped around the waist instead of a belt), ista coat (the Nepalese sleeveless half-jacket) and a topi, while Gunyou Cholo (a ghagra-kurta style women's dress) is the dress for a woman who generally wore no topi. Various ethnic groups wear their own constituent traditional dresses. For instance, the Tamang women wear distinctive headgear with an added cotton or woollen wrapper is also worn over the cap. Some Buddhist Tamang women wear Bakhus which are ethnic to the Tibetan people. Bhaad-gaaule topis are similar to Dhaka topi but they are black in colour given the fact that they are not made from Dhaka. Besides Dhaka and kalo topis there are a number of other topis made and worn in Nepal including chuclie topi, birke topi, karchupe topi and cap topi. == See also ==