Palpa’s Dhaka cloth weaves its way from festive gifts to tourist keepsakes
Summary
Dhaka products are in high demand in Palpa during Tihar, with tourists and festival shoppers buying caps, shawls, blouses and handbags as gifts and souvenirs. Traders say sales are rising, but the traditional industry is still struggling with declining production, competition and counterfeit branding.
Key Points
- Dhaka products have become popular gifts and souvenirs among domestic and foreign visitors to Palpa, especially during Tihar.
- Traders in Tansen say sales rise sharply from Dashain through Tihar, with handwoven Dhaka products attracting growing demand.
- The Palpali Dhaka industry once employed more than 10,000 people, but only about 1,000 remain in the sector today.
- Producers warn that Dhaka made elsewhere is being sold under the Palpali label, threatening the fabric's authenticity and identity.
