The national
dress of Bhutan is called the gho for men and kira for women.
It was introduced during the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to give the Bhutanese a unique identity.
In
an effort to preserve and promote its cultural heritage, all Bhutanese
are required to wear the national dress in government offices, schools
and on formal occasions.
The gho is a long robe hoisted to the knee and held in place with a kera, a woven
cloth belt, wound tightly around the waist.
This forms a large pouch above
that may be used to contain particular items, traditionally a bowl and
betel nut. |