The Baburam Bhattarai-led government had removed Daura Suruwal and Gunyu Choli as the national dress in 2011, keeping in view the diverse culture in the country and respecting the sentiment of various ethnic communities.  In the absence of a dedicated national dress, the government has started urging people to wear Daura-Suruwal and Gunyu Choli on official functions.

“Daura Suruwal and Gunyu Choli are still worn by a large number of people under different culture as they know the dress reflects their nationality,” said Om Dhaubhadel, a cultural expert.

The experts have been however arguing that the government can never force public to choose a specific dress.

“The government can ask the people to wear Daura Suruwal and Gunyu Choli but it cannot force them. It should not even prioritize any dress but should leave an open space for public to choose their own,” said Malla K Sundar, an indigenous rights-activist.

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has requested the visitors who are taking part in an award ceremony, which will be provided by the President on September 4, to wear ‘Nepali Dress’ which includes Daura Surawal for males and Gunyu Choli (any kind of Saree) for females.

The people have, however, been given an option where they can wear their cultural dress as well. “Visitors from different geography, culture and religion can wear their own dress which reflects the ethnic Nepali culture,” reads a letter by the Home Ministry over the award event. The experts have however suggested that the government should never focus on a single culture in a country like Nepal.

“The government should be concerned about all the ethnic groups and its cultural values,” said Malla. He believes that every cultural aspect promotes the country.