“The need for promoting Bhadgaunle Topi like Darjelinges”

Kathmandu
October 20, 2008
Balkrishna Sahankhakarma is highly motivated when people in Gorkhaland made a strict rule for the inhabitants of Darjeeling and neighboring districts. The rule is wearing Bhadgaunle topi ( a trditionally prepared black cap) compulsorily during festivals by Darjeeling people and other neighboring people who have demand of separate Gorkhaland. Sankhakarmi is only one industrialist of kalo topi, for which Bhaktapur is well known. Other about half a dozen families has subsistence and pastime job of cap making in addition to Shakhakarmi.
He further says that they need at least 2 million caps but it is hard to meet the supply with this less manpower. Shankhankarimi has trained many poor people though it is still very poorly paid job. He further added if this situation remains that cap making cottage industry will progress better. But government is reluctant to support such historic and traditional profession and identity of Nepali cap.
Leela Subbha, a business man who has come to Bhaktpur from Kakarnbhitta ( a bordering city of Nepal with Darjeeling) to purchase the caps that there is high demand of caps.
As the situation seems easier the Bhaktapures has to work hard to fulfill the need of Darjeeling. Shankhakarmi says that if the locals get better income in this job many people would join it. It is high time we ourselves should wear such caps to assist our Nepalese identity.
It can be suggested why not compulsory wearing the black cap to the employee of GoN.