Rajkarnikar
Rajkarnikar (Devanagari: राजकरणिकार) (alternative names: Halwai people) is a caste of confectioners and sweet makers situated in Kathmandu Valley, in Nepal.
[1] In India, they are found in Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura 1 . They are also found in Northern parts of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Ladakh. Generally, they are people with yellow complexion, oblique eyes, high cheekbones, sparse hair and medium height.
Etymology and origin[]
The name "Rajkarnikar" means state official.
Rajkarnikars in Nepal are found mostly in Ye or Kathmandu Valley, over the regions of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur (Patan in Nepali; Yela in Newari ); In 2011, their population was 83,000. Around 60,000 still reside in rural areas, and around 20,000 in urban areas.[1] They speak Nepalbhasa. The ethologist and antropologist, Brian Houghton Hodgson, during his posting in Nepal, Hodgson became proficient in Nepali and Newari. They are part of Newar clans and decendants of Kirat People.
Traditional Occupation[]
Halwais are sweet makers by tradition. They take on many responsibilities that are considered religiously important. Traditional sweets prepared include Jeri, Swari, haluwa, laddu. The Newar people are Halwai People. Halwai is an Indian caste whose traditional occupation was confectionery and sweet-making. The name is derived from the Sweet Haluwa.
Rajkarnikars are Newar and have their own caste system but they do not discriminate in Hierarchies'. Their caste system is based on the professions and not based on RACE.
They are in Kathmandu Valley also originates from their tradition and profession of confectionery. The Halwai people group, also known as the Palma Halwais or Rajkarnikar, are part of a Newar clan and were the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. The traditional occupation of the Halwai people is making candy and sweets, known as "mithai."
Culture[]
Traditionally, in the caste system, they are Hindu and Buddhist both.
Their culture, traditions, religions, beliefs and rooted to Asia, Tibet [2], Nepal and India.
The worshiping of Kumari, Taleju Bhawani, Ganesh, Harati Ajima, Aakash bhairav, and Bhin Dyo is one of major worshipping for Halwai people. The Rajkarnikar Halwai people in Kathmandu worship ancient Maru Ganesh Temple. Worshiping of Ganesh.
Rajkarnikars are mostly Hindu and worship major deities. They also believe in worshipping ancestors and believe in continued existence of life. They celebrate most Hindu festivals, such as Yenya Puni, Jamma Dyo ya Dhala lyui.; they believe in fasting The Buddhist Rajkarnikars in Nepal also celebrates Yenya or Indra Jatra. Their communities have traditionally arranged marriages.
Social status[]
 | This section does not cite any sources. (May 2021) |
Rajkarnikar is a highly respected caste. Their status as providers of food for their community also makes them responsible for making sweets and cakes. These are made for all festivals and celebrations, such as marriage or childbirth.
See also[]
References[]
- ^ "Nepal Census Data 2011 Vol. 1" (PDF). p. 151.
- Newar caste system