National Dress & Topi Day being observed today
Led primarily by youth-led organizations, celebrations were held in Kathmandu and major cities nationwide.
KATHMANDU: As the Western tradition of celebrating the English New Year continues to gain influence, Nepali youth have chosen a different path—one that reflects national identity and cultural pride.
On Jan 1, the 13th International Topi and National Dress Day was celebrated across Nepal with grandeur under the slogan “Nepali Topi: Our Identity.”
Led primarily by youth-led organizations, celebrations were held in Kathmandu and major cities nationwide.
Young men and women were seen in large numbers wearing traditional attire such as daura-suruwal, Dhaka topi, and gunyo-cholo, turning city streets into vibrant displays of Nepali heritage.
The campaign, which formally began in 2070 BS, has been driven largely by the younger generation for the past 13 years.
Activists say the movement has played a crucial role in the preservation and revival of Nepal’s national dress, especially after the state withdrew its official recognition in the past. In response, youths across the country launched the initiative voluntarily to safeguard cultural identity.
From early morning, rallies and corner meetings were organized at key locations including Maitighar Mandala in the capital. Beyond the streets, social media platforms were also flooded with images and messages celebrating Topi Day.
Nepalis living both at home and abroad shared photos in traditional attire, expressing solidarity through virtual participation.
