Nepali Dhaka Products Handmade by Grandmothers

The Nepali Dhaka fabric is most prominently seen in the Dhaka topis (hats) worn by men in Nepal along with their traditional daura surwal attire. The Newari community in Kathmandu has made this versatile fabric their own by wrapping it in a layer of soft muslin cloth and using it to create a variety of different products. Given the long history of this fabric in Nepalese culture, it is no surprise that this is the fabric of choice for many elderly makers of Aji’s community. Here are some adorable handmade Dhaka products made by grandmothers:

1. Dhaka Baby Bhoto Set by Pragya Shakya

This 4 piece baby bhoto set is a perfect baby shower gift. It can fit a newborn and babies up to two years old. The outer muslin layers make this outfit soft and breathable. The trouser, inner vest, outer bhoto, and cap will keep your precious newborn covered and protected from the elements. This traditional Nepali attire is made by 71 Pragya Shakya of Shreebahal, Patan with a sewing machine that she inherited from her grandfather!

2. Dhaka Handkerchief by Ram Kumari Shrestha

82 year old Ram Kumari loves working with Dhaka fabric while sitting in her sun-drenched bedroom in Hyumat tole in Kathmandu. This cute 9 x 9 inches (approx) handkerchief is soft to touch thanks to the outer muslin layer that covers the Dhaka fabric. This is a great handkerchief to carry in your pocket, in your handbag or to carry along with your laptop computer to wipe the dust off your delicate computer screen.

3. Dhaka Baby Blanket by Dil Hera Tuladhar

Another great baby shower gift is this soft and adorable Dhaka baby blanket handmade by 84 year old Dil Hera of Ganabahal, Kathmandu. At 35 x 40 inches (approx), this soft blanket makes for a perfect swaddle for newborns. Dil Hera started making this baby blanket years ago for her own grandchildren and now she makes them for her great grandchildren!

4. Dhaka Summer Blanket by Usha Shakya

These beautiful Rhododendron print Dhaka blankets are made by 60 years old Aji's maker Usha Shakya. It is made by stitching Dhaka fabric between two layers of muslin cloth which makes it soft, lightweight and breathable. It is an ideal summer blanket while you’re watching TV on the sofa or use it as a blanket in those warm summer nights.

Available on Aji’s Online Store.

If you’d like to purchase these traditional handmade products in Kathmandu, stop by Timro Conceptsore in Jhamsikhel or SAARC shop in Pulchowk. You can also order them online for Kathmandu by visiting our online store or visit our Etsy store to order them for USA.

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments. Watch this space for more Dhaka products that our elderly makers are working on!