On January 1st, Nepalis observe Topi Diwas by wearing Dhaka Topi or Bhaad-Gaaule Topi. It is a day of pride to flaunt our Topis (the Nepalese cap) to show the world a unique part of our costume. It is a gesture that unites us all Nepalis, displaying the fact that we share a common identity.
In most cases, the celebrations are either declared by the government of the respective nation or approved by major organisations. But, neither of these happened with Topi Diwas.
In 2012, the Nepalese government, which was under the leadership of Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, eliminated the Daura Suruwal, Topi, and Guniyo Choli off the list of the official attire of Nepal. The former revolutionary leader had this as his guiding principle, “Nepal is the country of numerous ethnicities and cultures, and the dress of ‘dominating’ Brahman-Chhettri tribe couldn’t be declared as the national dress.”
After 2 years, in New Year 2014, a group of youths gathered at Maitighar Mandala in Dhaka Topi. The place is usually known as a space where political parties, stakeholders or activists gather to forward their agenda. On that day, the youngsters were rallying under Jagaruk Yuva Abhiyan, calling for the protection of Nepalese culture and demanding the recognition of Dhaka Topi as a part of our national costume. From that day, Nepal started to celebrate Topi Diwas on January 1.
Even the public icons, like Haribansha Archarya and Anil Keshari Shah, have endorsed it on social media. It has inspired everyone, from boys and girls to old people, to wear Dhaka Topi on this particular day. Despite having had no formal declaration, everyone started to celebrate Jan 1 as Topi Diwas.
Happy New Year and Topi Diwas, everyone!
Compiled by; Nikita Gautam
photo credit: Dreamstime
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