The Chakhesang Attire Regulatory Board (CARB) has issued a public notice outlining rules and regulations governing the use of traditional Chakhesang attires and ornaments, warning that misuse, cultural appropriation and misrepresentation of the community’s cultural heritage could invite legal action.

In a statement issued for general information, CARB said the rules and regulations were adopted on May 20, 2025, in response to instances of misuse of traditional attires that had resulted in the misrepresentation of Chakhesang traditions and customs.

Emphasising the importance of preserving cultural heritage, the Board stated that traditional attires and motifs carry stories of the community’s way of life and traditions, which is very important for the identity of any community.

CARB further stated that Chakhesang attires and ornaments have been registered under the Geographical Indications (GI) framework and are protected under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. It cautioned that any misuse, cultural appropriation or defamation of the traditional attires could be viewed seriously and may lead to legal action.

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The regulations essentially covers the following:

• Color and Hue Integrity: The original colors, hues, and patterns of all attires and ornaments must be maintained.
• Motif Preservation: Respective motifs must be strictly adhered to. Specifically, shawl motifs cannot be used on skirt designs, and vice versa.
• Gender and Status Rules: Attires and ornaments designated specifically for men or women, as well as those reserved as “merit wears”; must be worn strictly according to tradition.
• Age-Appropriate Usage: Traditional age-group distinctions must be respected. For example, married men are prohibited from wearing attires meant for young boys and vice versa.
• New Design: No individual or group is permitted to create new motifs for shawls or skirts and claim them as Chakhesang traditional attire.
• Event Restriction: Unauthorized designs cannot be worn or used at any national or international event without explicit approval from the CARB.