The different types of ceremonial scarves in Bhutan

The rank of the bearer will determine the colour of kabney or rachu that he or she wears.

The different types of ceremonial scarves in Bhutan

Bhutan’s national costume is deemed very important in the preservation of its culture and national identity. You can see locals donning their national costume with pride on a daily basis throughout the entire country. 

bhutanese man and woman kencho wangdi

The traditional dress for men is the gho, a knee-length robe tied with a handwoven belt, known as kera. Under the gho, men wear a tegu, a white jacket with long, folded-back cuffs.

Women wear the kira, an ankle-length dress, a large rectangular cloth clasp together by a koma (brooches). The kira is often worn with colourful blouses called wonju alongside a tego (an outer jacket).  The textiles are mostly handwoven and intricately designed by talented weavers throughout the country. 

When visiting the dzong or government offices bearing the national flag, Bhutanese will wear the national costume with ceremonial scarves 

bhutanese man wearing kabneyMen will wear a silk scarf called a kabney from left shoulder to the hip.

Women wear a rachuWomen wear a rachu, a narrow embroidered cloth draped over the left shoulder.

The rank of the bearer will determine the colour of kabney or rachu that he or she wears.

The commoners will wear a white kabney (males) while the females will wear colourful rachu with intricate design.

white scarf for commoners

For the district administrators and governors (Dzongdag, Drangpon, Dzongrab, Drungpa), they will wear a white scarf with fringes and red band with one, two or three stripes. 

white scarf with red stripes for district admins

For village chiefs (Gups), the scarf will be red with fringes and two broad, red vertical borders known as khamar. 

white scarf with stripes for village chiefs

Members of the National Assembly and National Council wear a dark blue scarf.

blue scarf for member of parliaments

Deputy Ministers and Ministers wear orange scarf without fringes. 

orange scarf for ministers

The dark green scarf is worn by judges. 

green scarf for judges

His Majesty the King of Bhutan (Druk Gyalpo) and the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo) wears a saffron scarf. 

saffron scarf for king and chief abbot

The red scarves (Bura Marp) or red-gold (Lungmar) scarves are awarded to outstanding individuals to recognise their excellent service to the nation. It does not represent a wearer's post. And individuals who are awarded with either the Bura Marp or Lungmar scarf will be given the honorary title of Dasho conferred by His Majesty the King. 

‘Lung-mar’ is a compounded form of two words, lungserma (red-gold) and Marp (Red). 

red and red gold lungmar for dasho

The Lungmar scarf existed during the time of His Majesty The Third Druk Gyalpo, and has been reinstituted, with the former Prime Minister, Dasho Tshering Tobgay as its first recipient in 2014.

On the 113th National Day held on 17th December 2020, His Majesty the King awarded the Lungmar Scarf to Prime Minister Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering, and the Red Scarf to the Health Minister Dasho Dechen Wangmo, Chief Election Commissioner Dasho Sonam Tobgay (formerly Home Secretary) and the Land Secretary Dasho Pema Chewang.

lungmar scarf to pm dr lotay tshering

his majesty with lyonpo dasho dechen wangmo who received the red scarf from his majesty the king on the 113th national day

his majesty the king also conferred the red scarf to dasho pem chewang the secretary of the national land commission and chairperson of the eastern covid 19 task force

his majesty the king with dasho sonam topgay the chief election commissioner and chairperson of the southern covid 19 task force who was conferred the red scarf today

Summary of the different colour ceremonial scarves in Bhutan: 

White (male) and Colourful (female) - Commoners.
White with fringes and a red band with one, two or three red stripes - Assistant district administrators (Dzongrab, Dungpa). - Village chiefs or district administrators
White with fringes and two broad, red, vertical borders (khamar) - Village chiefs (Gups).
Blue - Members of the national assembly and national council 
Green - Judges
*Red (bura marp) or Red-gold (lungmar) - Dasho, an honorary title conferred by the King
Orange - Deputy Ministers and Ministers 
Saffron - His Majesty the King and the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo)

ceremonial colour scarves druk asia



Related Posts

Reasons Why You should Visit Royal Textile Academy (RTA) Bhutan

The Royal Textile Academy is Bhutan’s first institution dedicated to preserving, promoting and educating about Bhutanese...

Jun 26, 2020 18:16

The Restoration of Wangduechhoeling Palace: A Cultural Revival in...

Discover the remarkable transformation of Wangduechhoeling Palace in Bumthang, Bhutan. After a decade-long restoration,...

May 02, 2025 16:05

A Historic Royal Visit: The First State Visit of the King of...

Bhutan welcomed Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand for a historic State Visit from 25–28 April 2025....

Apr 28, 2025 10:28

Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Framework Set to Take Root in...

Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index will be adapted for the first time in Brazil through a pioneering...

Apr 24, 2025 16:28

His Majesty King Jigme's Visit to Gelephu and Assam

His Majesty The King’s recent visit to Gelephu and Assam highlights Bhutan’s forward-looking vision—strengthening...

Apr 21, 2025 10:46

Bhutan’s Roadmap to 2040: Connecting Communities, Preserving...

Bhutan is embarking on a major infrastructure initiative to construct 200 km of new roads by 2040, aimed at enhancing...

Apr 01, 2025 17:18

Latest

News

The Restoration of Wangduechhoeling Palace: A Cultural Revival in Bhutan

Discover the remarkable transformation of Wangduechhoeling Palace in Bumthang, Bhutan. After a decade-long restoration, this historic royal...

May 02, 2025 16:05

A Historic Royal Visit: The First State Visit of the King of Thailand to Bhutan

Bhutan welcomed Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand for a historic State Visit from 25–28 April 2025. Discover how this landmark...

Apr 28, 2025 10:28

Features

Passion and Purpose: A Bhutanese's Guide Perspective on Happiness

Chencho Tshering, a seasoned Druk Asia tour guide with nearly a decade of experience, shares his journey, personal passions, and heartfelt...

May 28, 2025 16:38

Lost & Found: Bhutanese Textiles at Melbourne Design Week 2025

Bhutanese designer Chandrika Tamang brings Lost & Found to Melbourne Design Week 2025, showcasing traditional Bhutanese weaving through a...

May 16, 2025 18:23

Business

High Altitude, Higher Ambitions: Bhutan Enters the Wine World

Bhutan has officially stepped onto the global wine stage with the debut of The Himalayan, a record-breaking 7.57-litre bottle auctioned by...

May 23, 2025 16:38

Most Popular Bars in Thimphu

Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind...

Feb 10, 2025 16:14

Sports

Zimbiri Makes History as First Bhutanese Woman Elected to SAFF Executive Committee

Zimbiri has made history as the first Bhutanese woman elected to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Executive Committee, a landmark...

May 28, 2025 10:49

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Travel

Heli Bhutan Takes Flight: Private Helicopter Service Boosts Connectivity in Remote Bhutan

Heli Bhutan, the first private helicopter service in Bhutan, offers high-altitude flights to remote destinations with a brand-new Airbus...

May 23, 2025 15:59

Bhutan Goes Cashless: Bhutan Launches World’s First National Tourism Crypto Payment System

Bhutan partners with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch the world’s first national-level crypto tourism payment system. From flights and...

May 07, 2025 14:06

Lifestyle

Bhutanese Astrology: Ancient Wisdom at Pangri Zampa Monastery

Astrology in Bhutan is not just a cultural curiosity—it’s a living, breathing part of everyday life. At the heart of this tradition lies...

May 26, 2025 14:57

Most Popular Restaurants in Thimphu

Most visitors to Bhutan are aware of our serene hiking trails, religious sites and colorful festivals.

Feb 03, 2025 10:16

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app