Dhakal

Dhakal ( ढकाल ) is one of the most common [Brahmin] castes found in Nepal. They are believed to the direct decedents of Rishi or sage Upamanyu ^[1], who is in turn believed to be descended from RishiVasishta. They are believed to be originated from a place called Dhaku in Gorkha district of western Nepal. Yaku has been long known as birta of Dhakals. Dhakals are found in hilly regions of all over Nepal and India.

There are number of Dhakals in public figures. Kulananda Dhakal was the chief priest and tantrik of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the great king of Gorkha, who united Nepal to the current form. With his advice, the king could win the battles after times of failure. Ram Krishna Dhakal is a very popular modern singer in Nepal. Dr. Anjani K. Sharma is a highly respected surgeon who has received a number of awards. Associate Professor Rajesh Dhakal in the University of Canterbury, New Zealand is a world renowned researcher and specialist in earthquake engineering. In addition, Prof. Dr. Ishwari Prasad Dhakal is also one of the reputed veterinary doctor as well as the Chief of IAAS, Rampur Campus from Dhakal's family. ^[2]. Also, Prof. Dr. Shiva Ram Dhakal is a leading author of a philosophical and scientific book of "Environment and Sustainable Development in Nepal", which is famous in the world. http://www.researchbooks.org/3639223713/ENVIRONMENT-SUSTAINABLE-DEVELOPMENT-NEPAL/

Religion

The most common religion of people with this surname is Hinduism. Dhakal is regarded as one of the high class caste in Hindu religion. The Dhakals belong to kanyakubja class of Indian Brahminical order. Now many of the Dhakals are found in India specially in Darjelling district of West Bengal and Sikkim.Yaku [bhojpur]is known as the birta of dhakal.sudap-terathum is also a famous place, from where many dhakal emerged.In sikkim, all the dhakals have yearly conference where they try to congregate and try to know each other and help the underprevilaged ones. The Dhakals in sikkim are considered to be bold, corageous and honest to their duty towards the underpreviledged Dhakals. Few of the known figures among dhakals are Dr.P.P Dhakal(Sharma),Dr. Sanjeev Dhakal, Shri.S.D Dhakal, Mr. T.N. Dhakal, C.P. Dhakal, Dr. O.P. Dhakal, Dr. B.P.Dhakal, Dr. M.M.Dhakal, Dr. Mona Dhakal,Shri. D.P. Dhakal, so on and so forth.

many of dhakals from terethum (sudap) and from bhojpur , okhaldunga and from various hilly reason reside in indrapur vdc of morang district in nepal. they gathered together and performed the religious festival " gotha dhup" in udauli and uvauli once in a six month.

Culture

The culture is a part the traditional Nepali-Hinduism Brahmin culture. It is said that Dhakal should not color the exterior of house in white. It is also said that they should not have big celebrations, especially for birthdays.Dhakals are not supposed to do animal sacrifice and they are the devout devotees of lord shiva.

References

1. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upamanyu
2. ^ https://www.icsglobal.org/members/mem_honorary_fellows.asp