Dhaka topi
A Dhaka topi (Nepali: ढाका टोपी ) is a type of hat, popular among Nepalese people and Nepali (anything of, from, or related to Nepal).
The hat is made of a fabric called dhaka, which is also used for a type of blouse, a dhaka-ko-cholo which translates "blouse made of dhaka fabric". The word topi means "hat" in the Nepali. Men wear a long Kurta Suruwal or Daura Suruwal and Patuka instead of a belt. The hat is worn by Paharis and Indian Gorkhas communities. Dhaka Topis are also given away as gifts during Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals. Many nepalese men and women still wear costumes made from Dhaka on a regular basis, and the fabric itself unequivocally represents Nepali tradition and history.
The founder of the Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar announced March 1st as the Dhaka topi Day in India celebrated by Indian Gorkhas.
History
The Dhaka topi is so called because the design of the print can be traced to a traditional Jamdani weaving and design style originating in Dhaka—Capital City of Bangladesh. This is evident when comparing Nepali Dhaka topi designs by handmade machine .[1]
Manufacture
Topis are generally manufactured in Palpa and in the Eastern Region of Nepal mainly Bhojpur. They are made in hand looms set in Nepali homes. In India, Dhaka topi industry is in Gorkhaland established by native Indian Gorkha peoples.
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Two Nepalese men, one (on left) wearing a Bhaad-gaaule topi , and the other wearing the Dhaka topi
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A typical Nepali Dhaka topi
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A typical Nepali Dhaka topi in folded position