Gilgit Baltistan is located in the extreme north of Pakistan. When it comes to the culture of Gilgit Baltistan it is quite diverse and versatile. The traditional cap of Gilgit Baltistan has played a vital role to define and preserve the identity of people of Gilgit Baltistan.
The cap has different names in major languages. In shina and khowar the cap is known as Khoi, in Burushaski, it is called pharstun or pharsen and in wakhi it is known as Sekeed. The shape of the cap is quite different in Baltistan and it is called Nating in Balti. When it comes to the structure of cap, it is soft round toped woollen hat.
It’s manufactured or made by a local artisan and is available in multiple colours. Whitecaps are most famous in the borough and considered as a part local costume. In many different locations people mostly the older generation prefer to wear it all the time with pride.
They consider it a sign of honour Whether they are at home or somewhere else. They also prefer to wear it on different occasions like local celebrations, place of worship and many others like these. They will have their different caps for work, the cap for formal dressing and daily day to day business.
The manufacturing of cap is quite abstruse and making a woollen Patti from local is time taking process. Local artisans make it. Once the woollen Patti is ready, it is sewn into a cap by a local tailor. The cap has two parts. The cylinder part which is about 10 to 12 inches long and the round part which is sewed and fitted on the top of the cylinder part.
Once the cap is sewn the rim of the cap is rolled upwards towards the top forming a band. The band of Gilgiti cap is thin, on the other hand Chitral phenol has a thick band. The most striking features of the Gilgit cap is the peacock plume and the feather stuck in front or on the side of the cap.
It gives a very elegant look to the cap. It is considered a part of the formal dress cap and used in the groom’s dress. Very limited information is available about history and significance of feather and peacock plume on Gilgit cap. The feather in your cap term is an idiomatic phrase. It is derived from an old custom of certain warrior tribes.