NEPALI DHAKA Dhaka fabric

NEPALI DHAKA Dhaka fabric

Dhaka is the traditional handmade fabric of the indigenous Limbu people of eastern Nepal. It is gaining popularity in all cultures and around the world. It has its origins in Terhathum district of Nepal.
Production
Nepali Dhaka is an exquisite cotton fabric handwoven in numerous colors with an infinite and unlimited number of patterns. ‘Its manufacturing is concentrated mainly in Kathmandu valley, Pokhara, and Palpa and in recent years in the hills of eastern NepalTherathum etc.’
This traditional weaving is done on wood and bamboo treadle looms. Woven in hilly areas of Eastern Nepal.
Every change of shed produces a different kind of weave.
The weaver decides the print pattern without a chart or counting threads into which section of the warp she lays down the colors, which forms the patterns.
Importance
The Dhaka Topi got this name as the fabric used to make it, was manufactured in the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka in the past.
‘The Dhaka topi (cap) is so called because the design of the print can be traced to a traditional weaving and design style originating in Dhaka, Bangladesh.’
It is truly an indigenous form of expression reflecting Nepali mastery of craftsmanship.
It is an intricate art part of the traditional hand weaving technique that has been practiced in Nepal for many generations.
The Nepali Dhaka is considered as a symbol of pride as it is interlinked with their culture to a very large extent and hence it is a representation and symbol of the Nepali culture.
Despite the fact that the history of the Dhaka Topi and its origin is still debated, it is said that the people of Nepal have been wearing it for the two hundred years and is the replica of Bhadgaunle tope (a black round hat, used in Nepal) made from Dhaka fabric
Usage
The Nepali Topi or the Dhaka Topi is made from the fabric Dhaka, which is also used to make a type blouse called ‘dhaka-ko-cholo’(Dhaka's blouse)

‘Men wear a long Kurta Dawra Suruyal and Patuka instead of a belt. Patuka is a piece of cloth or linen that is made like a rope and
Worn around the waist, sometimes to act as a belt and sometimes as a place to hold utensils/knife.’
The Dhaka Topi is mostly worn by men and very unusually are they worn by women. They are worn by government officials as a part of their national uniform.

Dhaka Topi is available in many colors, patterns, and forms, worn on the basis of the function and the person wearing the hat.
Availability
Despite the fact that Dhaka was originally produced in Bangladesh, Nepal has adopted the Dhaka topi as an integral part of their culture such that Dhaka is produced all around Nepal now.
The Dhaka Topi is available in almost all the fabric stores in Nepal and souvenir shops or handicraft stores. ‘Western town of Palpa is known for its quality Dhaka topis’.
Perseverance
Quite a few communities are dedicated to preserving the Nepalese weaving art and hence the encourage
Women to involve themselves in this art by helping them teach this technique.
Dhaka products are woven in eastern rural villages of Nepal by women, who are abused, disabled, and or economically
Underprivileged. They use their skills and earn a living and adopt a better standard of living.

What is Dhaka?
Dhaka is an exquisite cotton fabric handwoven in numerous colors with an infinite and unlimited number of patterns. The duration of weaving and price is dependent on the complexity of the pattern. The more complex the pattern, higher the price; the simpler the pattern, the lower the cost.

The unique art and craft of Dhaka have its roots in an eastern Nepali village 'Terathum'. Started by 'Rai' and 'Limbu' women, Dhaka is a truly indigenous traditional form of artistic expression reflecting Nepali mastery of craftsmanship.

Dhaka has a history of more than one thousand years and has numerous turbulent experiences. With the introduction and development of power-looms, Dhaka suffered a major setback and nearly lost out to cheaper fabrics. But the efforts by villagers to preserve the art brought the Dhaka back to life.

Part of the skill training & income generating activities program involves training underprivileged women to weave traditional textile 'Dhaka' which is famous both locally and internationally. WF also takes responsibility for marketing 'Dhaka' products on behalf of the weavers within Nepal and abroad.