Traditional costumes have been bound up with beliefs and symbols with religious significance. Costumes fulfil a function beyond simple utility. Clothing symbolises status, occupation, sex and religion. Among men and women in all parts of India there are similarities and differences in their clothing, ornaments and hair styles. Under the impact of rapid development people of Khasiya community of Kumaun region of Uttarakhand are shedding off their unique and age old traditional costume. The present study was an attempt to popularise the costumes of Khasiya community of Kumaun region, which have reached on the verge of it’s extinction. Urbanisation, modernisation, migration and influence of media, higher education, occupation and economic status could have been the major factors responsible for the change. They have adopted contemporary dress which is causing a threat to their age old heritage.

Keywords: Kumaun, Khasiya Community, Traditional Costumes, Higher Education, Occupation.