streets of Bhaktapur

A woman in a newari dress, haku patasi, at Bhaktapur.

Haku Patasi is a traditional Newari dress worn by Newar women in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. It is a black cotton sari with a red border.

It used to be worn by women of the Kathmandu Valley as everyday clothing, but now it is mostly seen being worn by a small number of elderly women from Bhaktapur.

Haku Patasi is a symbol of Newari culture and heritage. The Newar community wears this dress mainly during special events, such as weddings, religious ceremonies, and festivals like Nhu Dan (New Year of the Nepal Sambat), Indra Jatra, Biska Jatra, Saparu (Gai Jatra), Chandeshwori Jatra, Gahana Khojne Jatra, Hadigaun, and more.