The driglam namzha is the official behaviour and dress code of the Kingdom of Bhutan. It governs how a citizen should dress in public and how they should behave in formal settings. It also regulates a number of cultural assets such as art and architecture. Its title in English is usually given as "The Basic Rules for Disciplined Behaviour".
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History of the driglam namzha
Driglam namzha traces its roots directly back to the 17th century pronouncements of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of the country. Uniquely charismatic and forward thinking, the Shabdrung sought to unify the country not only politically but culturally as well. He established the guidelines for building the characteristic fortresses of Bhutan, known as dzongs. He also established many of the traditions of the tsechu or district festival, such as specific sacred dances (known as cham). These guidelines were intentionally codified to encourage the emergence of a distinctive Bhutanese identity.
In 1989 the government elevated the status of the dress code from recommended to mandatory. Afterwards all citizens were required to observe the dress code when out in public during business hours. This decree was resented by the Hindu Lhotshampas in the southern lowlands who voiced complaints about being forced to wear the clothing of the Ngalop. Soon thereafter approximately 80,000 Nepalese left the country who did not want to follow the process of Driglma Namzha as undocumented aliens and now reside in refugee camps in Nepal. Ironically, in claiming themselves to be genuine Bhutanese citizens 'forcefully evicted' by the government, the refugees have resorted to wearing the gho and kira in the camps as some sort of proof. They also teach Dzongkha in the classrooms, a language held in contempt by the majority of Nepalese living in Bhutan.
Clothing
Per driglam namzha, men wear a heavy knee-length robe tied with a belt, called a gho, folded in such a way to form a pocket in front of the stomach. Women wear colorful blouses over which they fold and clasp a large rectangular cloth called a kira, thereby creating an ankle-length dress. A short silk jacket, or toego may be worn over the kira. Everyday gho and kira are cotton or wool, according to the season, patterned in simple checks and stripes in earth tones. For special occasions and festivals, colourfully patterned silk kira and, more rarely, gho may be worn.
Additional rules apply when visiting a dzong or a temple, and when appearing before a high level official -- a white sash (kabney) is worn by male commoners from left shoulder to opposite hip, with other colors reserved for officials and monks. Women wear a narrow embroidered cloth draped over the left shoulder, a rachu.
Architecture
Driglam namzha codifies the traditional rules for the construction of the sacred fortresses or dzongs. No plans are drawn up, nor are nails allowed in the construction. Under the direction of an inspired lama the fortress is constructed by the citizens who participate as part of their tax obligation to the state.
References
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