BHUTAN: A Wealth of Life


Bhutan with her legendary beauty is a wealth of life in Himalayas. Although it measures only 110 miles from the north to south and 200 from east to west, Bhutan - called by its people Druk Yul, "the Land of the Thunder Dragon" -- is home to a remarkable variety of climates and ecosystems. Essentially, the country is divided into three major land regions: plains and river valleys in the south; a mid-Himalayan (5,000 to 14,000 ft. high) area north of the valleys; and the mountainous lands in the Himalayas, which range from 14,000 to 24,000 ft. above sea level.

Bhutan's unique natural beauty unites with a wide range of cultural values, languages, customs, and friendly social atmosphere. With a population 600.000 people, Bhutan is a tiny country full of colors. Carefully preserved between high mountains, Bhutan was never colonized and she has always protected her genuine culture in a natural environment. Bhutan is comprised of a mosaic of different peoples who continue to live in valleys isolated from one another and the outside world by formidable mountain passes. Differing ethnic groups are also distributed according to the varying environments. It is possible to divide Bhutan's population into three broad ethnic groups, though the distinctions blur in places.

Nature inspires us and gives us peace and calmness. Actually, whole Himalayas are noteworthy for their biological richness. Since the Himalayas' geologically recent origin less than 25 million years ago, they have molded the region's fauna and flora by limiting Indian species from moving northward, and Tibetan species from moving southward. Himalayan rivers were in place before the mountains were, and consequently, the river courses have remained unchanged while they have cut ever deeper gorges and valleys. These valleys have provided the main avenues of contact between Indian and Eurasian wildlife.

Bhutan, far less explored and catalogued, is still a mystery for the most people around the world. A land of legends, Yeti, folktales, Buddhist spirit, and peace Bhutan is our home, where we grew and became what we are today.

A View From Bhutan

A View From Bhutan
Punakha Dzong

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Traditional Dress For Women: Kira

Kira, sometimes transcribed as Kiira is the traditional dress of Bhutanese women. It is a comfortable, sophisticated dress worn especially in offices and schools as a part of regulations. It is suitable for different weather conditions, it is easy to wear and affordable for all Bhutanese women. Kira is mostly woven from strong and long lasting materials.

The ankle length wrap-style kira has been the typical garment of women in Bhutan since before the small South Asian country's unification by a Buddhist monk in the mid-1600s. A kira is constructed from three back strap loom woven panels and is classified according to its background color. This newly acquired kira is an excellent example of an early style which highlights colorful supplementary weft patterning against a white background bordered by bold multicolored stripes. The name of this north central Bhutanese style kira, kushüthara, is derived from the unique technique of weft inlay, kushü, and the Eastern Bhutanese name for wrapped dress, thara.

There are two types of kira in Bhutan, today: Half kira and full kira. Full kira is one piece wrap style dress attached with koma (traditional broche) on the shoulders. Most women prefer wearing half kira, because it is more comfortable. Kira is combined with wanju (inside blouse) and tego (outside jacket). Match of colors is very important. The half kira trend is gaining popularity at a time when Bhutan is strict about the dress code and the national dress. According to a researcher, Sonam Kinga, who wrote an article, "Changes in Wearing kira"; people living along the border areas in late eighties started the trend of wearing half gho and kira because of the hot weather. The trend was picked up in other areas because of its convenience.

Bhutan has some where the world's best hand woven textiles. Kiras are the best proofs of Bhutanese textiles' quality. An average length kira is woven in 3 panels and each panel of this quality takes around 2 months. If the material is silk, it is imported from India and the dyed back home.
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)