Dhungri (ढुङ्गरी) – Jumbo Earrings

Nakai ma fuli chaidaina, Kanai ma dhungri, chahidaina. The popularity of Dhungri (ढुङ्गरी) earrings is evident in this song (a very popular song in Nepal). It is worn on the top of the ears, especially by women of the Kirat community.

Who wore the Dhungri?

Dhungri has traditionally been worn by Nepali women, especially in villages and remote areas. Sources describe it as most commonly seen on older women, and it is now less common in daily wear than before.

Cultural Value of Dhungri

Dhungri is more than decoration; it represents Nepali tradition, social identity, and ethnic heritage. Like other traditional ornaments in Nepal, it is part of the cultural expression of women’s attire and can be linked to family tradition and community belonging.

The Dhungri is much more than an accessory; it is a marker of ethnic identity, social belonging, and womanhood within Kirat communities. It appears alongside other iconic Kirat ornaments: women wear necklaces like Kantha, which consists of glass beads, gold rings, Puwalo, Sirphul, and regi/Haari, along with ear ornaments and nose ornaments, forming a complete traditional ensemble.

Disappearing Heritage

Dhungri is one of the oldest ornaments that are slowly disappearing day by day, and are only seen on the ears of old women in very remote areas of Nepal.

These days, only the old women of the very remote area wear this ornament daily. The ornament Dhungri is very outdated and not much in use in modern times.