Like all Royal houses Kutlehar has certain objects and ceremonies which are strong representations of royalty. The colorful ceremonies and traditions associated with the Monarchy are rich in history and meaning and are fascinating to watch.

The Royal family takes part in these ceremonies and are treated with supreme reverence.

The throne of Kutlehar is called the “Palasana”, which when translated means Pal - protector, Asana - seat, therefore ‘the seat of the protector’ The throne is made of silver and has minute carving of flora and fauna done all over it, with the front two leg bases made to resemble lion’s paws, the throne is a beautiful example of workmanship of Kutlehar artists.

Arms and armor have been an inseparable part of the male members of the royal family, till date for formal occasions, the Raja and the Prince carry swords, and have a khanjar tucked in the waist cloth, though these are now simply ceremonial representation but remind one of a warrior past.

The Raj talwar or the royal sword used by the Raja has an ivory handle from which hangs a tassel of pearls and emeralds, the blade has carving done all over it and the scabbard is made of blue velvet.

The Chowri and Mutha are conical shaped silver batons. In the Chowri the wide side has white yak hair and in the Mutha, peacock feathers.

Two officials stand on either side of the Raja and approximately two feet behind, holding the Chowri and Mutha vertically over their shoulders, with the wide side facing up, and at calculated intervals move the chowri and mutha back and forth.

The Jhandaa Nishaan means the Flag.

The Kutlehar flag is rectangular and is made up of three color bands of equal width, Dark Blue, White and Red.

There is another flag which is used, it is conical in shape and is saffron in color, and has a Trishul or Trident made on it.

Jewels

Keeping with the Indian tradition many jewels are worn by the royal family, head ornaments, necklaces, earrings, nose rings, bracelets for the upper and lower arms, shoulder jewels, rings, waist belts, and anklets are some of the jewels and examples can be seen in the photographs on this website.

The most important jewel for the males is the Jigha which is a precious stone encrusted jewel worn on the folds of the safa (turban) or the topi (cap) and for the women, gold anklets, studded or plain, both these jewels signify royalty.

The two main factors in the evolution of Royal dresses in Kutlehar have been the climate and the Mughal court, first as the climate of Kutlehar is in extremes, it called for garments made of various textiles like the Dhaka muslin to wool, and secondly the Mughal Court, on the succession of a Raja, the Emperor sent a dress of honor or khillat, paving the way for the more dresses to be designed on the pattern, and also as successive Emperors, as an assurance of the Kutlehar rulers allegiance kept the a Prince of Kutlehar at the Imperial Court, leading to tastes being dominated by the Mughal Emperors and clothes were no exception.

For ceremonial and very formal occasions like marriage and coronation, the Raja wears a Jama, which is a side fastening frock style coat, with a tight bodice, and a very flared skirt that reaches down to the ankles, the flare of the Jama at the ankles is over 50 meters and it is heavily ornamented with prized zardozi or gota work, precious stones too are sewn into the garment, wrapped at the waist is a three and a half meter long cloth and a jeweled belt is worn over this, a dagger is kept within the folds of this cloth with the handle in view, a two inch wide piece of cloth is hung over the right shoulder and crossed over the chest and back to the left side with its ends stitched together which finishes, just over the left hip, in the shape of a square purse, this ‘purse’ is hollow and a sword is hung through this. Also worn over the shoulder is a Parna, which is a four inch wide and three and a half meters long piece of cloth with its ends hanging in front, the last two inches on either side of the parna have heavy zardozi work done on them a churidaar paijama is worn under the jama. A Safa is worn on the head alongwith heavy jewels and other decorations like medals and stars are worn with the jama.

Also worn, Choga which is a full sleeved gown reaching till below the knees with flared ends, a triangular neck and the right side overlapping the left, which becomes an inner panel, this is fastened by two pear shaped buttons at the chest, Achkan and the Angarakha are other dresses worn.

Kharau or wooden shoes, and velvet, silk or other cloth shoes are worn within the living quarters as they are believed to be pure, leather is used for shoes which are not worn or brought within the living areas.

This is continued for seven generations after which the titles lapse and all future generations have the ‘Singh Kutleharia’ to indicate that they are from the Kutlehar royal house.