Rajkarnikar (

Devanagari Devanagari ( ; in script: , , ) is an Indic script used in the Indian subcontinent. It is a left-to-right abugida (a type of segmental Writing systems#Segmental systems: alphabets, writing system), based on the ancient ''Brāhmī script, Brā ...

: राजकर्णिकार) are a newar clan of confectioners and sweet makers situated in

Kathmandu Valley The Kathmandu Valley (), also known as the Nepal Valley or Nepa Valley (, Newar language, Nepal Bhasa: 𑐣𑐾𑐥𑐵𑑅 𑐐𑐵𑑅, नेपाः गाः), National Capital Area, is a bowl-shaped valley located in the Himalayas, Hima ...

, in

Nepal Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China Ch ...

. Madhikarmi (मधीकर्मी) from Bhakatpur are equivalent of Rajkarnikar.

Etymology

The name "Rajkarnikar" means state official. Rajkarnikars in Nepal are found mostly in Yen or Kathmandu Valley, over the regions of

Kathmandu Kathmandu () is the capital and largest city of Nepal, situated in the central part of the country within the Kathmandu Valley. As per the 2021 Nepal census, it has a population of 845,767 residing in 105,649 households, with approximately 4 mi ...

Bhaktapur Bhaktapur (Nepali language, Nepali and Sanskrit: भक्तपुर, ; "City of Devotees"), known locally as Khwopa (Nepal Bhasa: , ) and historically called Bhadgaon, is a city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal located abou ...

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. They speak Nepalbhasa.

Traditional Occupation

Rajkarnikars are sweet makers by tradition. They take on many responsibilities that are considered religiously important. Traditional sweets prepared include various Maris, sweets and confections.

Culture

Traditionally, in the caste system, they follow

Newar Buddhism Newar Buddhism is a form of Vajrayana Buddhism practiced by the Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. It has developed unique socio-religious elements, which include a non-monastic Buddhist society based on the Newar caste system and pa ...

. Their culture, traditions, religions, beliefs and rooted to Asia, Tibe

and

. The worshiping of Kumari, Taleju Bhawani, Ganesh, Harati Ajima, Aakash bhairav, and Bhin Dyo is one of major worshipping for Halwai people. 'They also believe in Akash Bhairav, worshipping ancestors and believe in continued existence of life. They celebrate festivals, such as Yenya Puni, Yomari Punhi, Janbahadyah Salegu, Pahanchaare and perform pilgrimage during the month of Gunlaa.

Social status

{{Unreferenced-section, date=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.

References A reference is a relationship between Object (philosophy), objects in which one object designates, or acts as a means by which to connect to or link to, another object. The first object in this relation is said to ''refer to'' the second object. ...

Brian Houghton Hodgson Brian Houghton Hodgson (1 February 1801 – 23 May 1894) was a pioneer natural history, naturalist and ethnologist working in India and Nepal where he was a British Resident (title), Resident. He described numerous species of birds and mammals fr ...

Newar caste system

Etymology

Traditional Occupation

Culture

Social status

See also

References A reference is a relationship between Object (philosophy), objects in which one object designates, or acts as a means by which to connect to or link to, another object. The first object in this relation is said to ''refer to'' the second object. ...