|  Ethnic
Dresses of Darjeeling
The diverse ethnic population of Darjeeling
has lead to a variety of dresses being worn in the area.
The traditional dress of Nepali
community - the major ethnic group of Darjeeling - is Labeda
and Surua. This dress has been accepted by all ethnic groups
of Nepalese origin and is used as a ceremonial dresses. Labeda
is the upper garment for male which is like a jacket and Surua
is the lower garment which is like a tight trouser or Indian
Payjamas. The mal headdresses are of many verity and all are
round shape called topi. The traditional dress of Nepali women
consists of a parsi (Indian sari) and Misa-la (long-sleeved
blouse),  Ga
(wrapper) and Jani (cloth belt).
However, the modern Nepalese People irrespective of their ethnic
affiliations are now wearing western type trouser, jacket, shirts,
skirts etc. the traditional dresses are now restricted only
in social gathering and festivals.
Apart from Nepali, the Tibetan Bhutia, Sikkimese
Bhutia, Bhutanese Bhutia and Lepcha
dresses are all basically of Tibetan origin and are the most
colourful of their kind in Darjeeling. They consist primarily
of a big dressing gown type coat called Bakhhu, which serves
both as an upper and lower garment for men and women alike.
The Bhkhhu is made of wool, silk or velvet with woolen lining
inside. The traditional Bhutia head gears consist of woolen
and fur caps with projected parts to protect the ears from biting
cold.
 Food
of Darjeeling
Rice is the staple food for all people irrespective of their
cast and religion in Darjeeling. Apart from that a large quantity
of maize and millet are grown in the terraced slopes in the
hills. Millet locally called as marrua is the third important
food, which is used by poorer section of people. Millet corn
is usually turned into flour, from which bread is prepared.
Among green vegetables, squashes, beans, potatoes, peas, tomatoes,
cabbages, cauliflowers, carrots are grown in plenty in the hill
areas and are supplied to different parts of the states. Mushrooms
are very popular in the hill people and the bamboo shoots are
known for its delicacy.
Among the meat pork is mostly consumed in
the Darjeeling hills especially by the tribal people. Beef,
Chicken and Mutton are also consumed by the large number of
people. Dried meat and fish is also taken by the hill people.
Drink: There is hardly any
taboo against drinking among the Nepalese, Lepchas and Bhutias.
Spirituous liquors have traditional uses among all hill people.
Among the drinks most popular is the millet beer called Tungba.
Rice beer known as Jar is also very popular. |
