Kabney
A kabney is a silk sash worn as a part of the gho, the traditional male attire in Bhutan. It is raw silk, normally with fringes. Kabney is worn over the traditional coat gho; it runs from the left shoulder to the right hip, and is worn at special occasions or when visiting a dzong. Kabney is also referred as Bura, which means wild silk.
The use of gho and kabney is encouraged in Bhutan as a part of driglam namzha, the official code of etiquette and dress code of Bhutan. Gho is compulsory for schoolboys and government officials. The female traditional dress is called kira; a rachu is worn over the traditional dress kira.
The rank and social class of the bearer determines the permissible color of the scarf:
- Saffron sash for the Druk Gyalpo and the Je Khenpo.
- Orange sash for Lyonpos.
- Red sash for Dashos. The red scarf can also be conferred upon Bhutanese civilian, as it is one of highest honors a Bhutanese civilian can receive, and comes directly from the throne in recognition of an individual's outstanding service to the nation.
- Green sash for judges.
- Blue scarf for members of parliament.
- White sash without fringes for Secretary of various Ministries and Zimpoen to The King. Also awarded to distinguished individuals for various achievements and contributions.
- White sash with red stripes for Gups.
- White scarf for ordinary citizens.
- White sash with blue stripes for Chimi. This is now used for Thrompoens, the head of Thromde.
- Blue sash for Lodoe Tsoggde.