The Chakhesang Attire Regulatory Board (CARB) has issued regulations governing the use of Chakhesang traditional attire and ornaments, warning that misuse, cultural appropriation and defamation of the community’s traditional wear could invite legal action.
In a press release dated October 28, CARB said the rules and regulations were adopted on May 20, 2025, following instances of misuse of traditional attire that resulted in the misrepresentation of Chakhesang traditions and customs.
The board said preserving and maintaining cultural heritage was essential to a community’s identity, adding that every traditional attire and motif carried a story about its way of life and traditions.
It further stated that Chakhesang attires and ornaments had been registered under the Geographical Indications (GI) system and were protected under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Any misuse, cultural appropriation or defamation of the traditional wear, it said, would be viewed seriously and could be subject to legal action.
The regulations require the original colours, hues and patterns of all attires and ornaments to be maintained. They also stipulate that traditional motifs must be used according to their designated forms, with shawl motifs prohibited from being used on skirt designs and vice versa.
The board said gender and status distinctions must be respected, requiring attire and ornaments designated for men or women, as well as those reserved as “merit wears”, to be worn strictly according to tradition.
Age-specific rules must also be observed. For instance, married men are prohibited from wearing attire intended for young boys, and young boys must not wear attire reserved for married men.
The regulations further prohibit individuals or groups from creating new motifs for shawls or skirts and claiming them as Chakhesang traditional attire.
CARB also stated that unauthorised designs could not be worn or used at national or international events without its explicit approval.
