Rautes, the nomadic tribe roaming in the mid-western jungles of Nepal, have lately shown interest in a new fashion especially for them, of wearing a coat, state-owned news agency RSS reports.

Talking to media persons and social workers who reached their habitat in Salyan on Friday, they said they had the desire to wear a coat this winter season.

Rautes, who would not accept any gifts of clothes stitched by machine or any new clothes, showed interest for coats this time round.

The Raute males usually wear a ‘gado’ (piece of plain cloth) and women wear old clothes received from begging.

“Dashain is round the corner. So, if one of you give one coat to each of us in this Dashain, this jungle king will wear it and dance happily before you,” said Raute Chief Main Bahadur Shahi. Hari Bahadur Shahi of the community also urged all to bring coats rather than offering other things.

He said, “We do not need anything else, a coat can be a better gift.”

People of the community, who think it is a sin to touch money, have been changing from their ancient traditions in recent days. Asked whether they would wear if they are given pants and shirts, Main Bahadur said, “What will be the difference between you and us if we wear that?” When asked why they preferred a coat, he said in a jolly mood, “As your prime minister wears a coat, we, the prime minister of the jungle, should also wear a coat. That’s why we asked for it.” Rautes have urged to send 26 pieces of coats before the Dashain festival, the greatest festival of the Nepalis and the Hindus all over the world.

Of late, Rautes have been developing a fad for alcohol. They have started consuming maximum amount of alcohol. The alcohol produced locally is too little for Rautes, said a resident of Dhanabang Gandapani. They have started to spend their allowances given by the government in drinking, he said. nepalnews.com