For that warm and wooly feeling

On special occasions and religious festivals, Leki Tshewang, 76, from Chumey, Bumthang, literally covers himself in yak hair.

He is one of the few elderly people in the valley, who, whenever the occasion arises, still wears the Chhari (hair) gho, woven from yak hair and wool.

Chhari ghos are usually dark brown in colour and Chhari kiras also known as Honlo kiras, are bluish black. Chhari weaves are much heavier than normal ones and washing can be quite a chore.

Because of it sober hue, Leki Tshewang stands out in crowds, which are usually draped in more colourful clothes.

Not so long ago, it was a very popular wear in the central dzongkhag where temperatures drop below zero in winter. According to the elders in Bumthang, Chhari ghos were worn as Zang-gho and only rich people could afford to own one.

“Chhari ghos were rated as superior because they lasted for a long time,� said Leki Tshewang. “And they’re waterproof as well.�

Today Chhari weaves are even more difficult to come by because less of it is woven and it is expensive too. A Chhari gho can cost anywhere between Nu 10,000 and 12,000.

According to Dorji Tshomo, 56, from Chokhortoe, washed yak hair is spun on spindles to make the thread for Chhari weaves. The weaving process can take several months.

Leki Tshewang told Kuensel that his seven-year old Chhari gho is as good as new. Every time he washes it, it feels thick as the hairs spread out. The cleaned gho is carefully folded and placed in a wooden box to be worn for the next important occasion. In the process, an old tradition remains alive. Source: Kuenselonline