Under the popular museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object is displayed in the appearance for a whole month. The exhibit for the month of September, 2021 – ‘Thigme Pabu’ - Shoe of Ladakhi Women from Udmaru Dengspa, Leh-Ladakh, is on display in the indoor exhibition building – Veethi Sankul. The 'exhibit of the month' was inaugurated by Rakesh Kumar Bhatt (Assistant Curator, IGRMS), and renowned people present on this occasion. This exhibit of the month had been collected and composed by Rajesh Goutam, Sangrahalaya Associate.
About the exhibit displayed in the exhibition Rajesh Goutam, Sangrahalaya Associate told that Ladakh, located in the far north of India, is famous for its unique geographical location and cultural diversity. Folk songs, Folk dances, Costumes and food are the hallmarks of this specific culture. Ladakhi traditional footwear 'Pabu' has special significance in their dress.
It is designed to be used in a manner that is uniquely adapted to the landscape and weather conditions of the region. The shape of the shoe rises towards the toes and in the length from the heel to the top, maintains the warmth of the feet in the cold environment. The ‘Thigme Pabu’ displayed here is a favorite shoe popular among the Ladakhi Women. It is also pronounced as ‘Thigmachan’ or ‘Thikmachan’ at several places in the Ladakh region. There is a slight variation in its texture and ornamentation in different regions of Ladakh such as Dahanu, Changpa Hill, Nubra Valley, Zanskar Valley and Leh.