What Dhaka cloth is
Dhaka is a woven fabric with bold geometric patterns. The design is built into the weave on the loom rather than printed on afterwards, which gives good pieces their depth and crispness. Colours are often strong, with reds, blacks, whites and oranges common, though you will find softer palettes too.
Dhaka is woven in other parts of Nepal as well, but the Palpali name carries a particular reputation, and many Nepalis will recognise it straight away.
The Dhaka topi and other uses
The best-known use is the Dhaka topi, the slightly asymmetrical cap worn by many Nepali men. It is part of traditional formal dress and appears at weddings, festivals and official occasions, as well as in everyday life, especially among older men.
Women's shawls, blouses and scarves are also made from Dhaka, along with newer items such as bags, cushion covers and purses. Visitors wearing a topi is generally taken as a friendly gesture rather than a faux pas, though it is worth wearing it as it is meant to be worn rather than as a joke.
Buying Dhaka in Tansen
You will find Dhaka shops throughout the old bazaar, so walk around and compare before you buy. Machine-made versions are common and cheaper; if you want handloomed cloth, ask the seller directly. A good shopkeeper will tell you, and the difference often shows in the finish and the price.
Gentle bargaining is normal in many shops, but keep it friendly, and remember that handwoven cloth takes many hours to make. If you are curious about the weaving itself, ask locally whether a workshop welcomes visitors, and ask before photographing weavers at their looms.
Dhaka folds flat and weighs little, so it is an easy souvenir to carry. Our old bazaar walk passes many of the shops, and our notes on responsible travel cover buying from small makers.