Dharabi is a village located amid the cities of Chakwal and Talagang in Punjab, Pakistan. This lake is named after the river Dharab passing through this village, stretching to Kallar Kahar. Dharabi Dam, which is the largest water reservoir in the district, can store 37,000 acre-feet of water.
Historical Background of Dharabi Village
Dharabi is a combination of ‘Dhar’ and ‘Aab,’ which means ‘located in the middle of the water. So it means a place situated in the middle of the water.
According to the residents of Dharabi, this village was first occupied by Raja Hakim Khan. Hindus and Sikhs also resided here before the partition. The schools where the Hindu and Sikh teachers taught still exist in Dharabi village.
If you are more of a visual person, then please watch the following video, which summarizes my trip of this Lake:
Activities at Dharabi Lake
The geographical characteristics of Dharabi Lake make it perfect for all types of water sports such as boating, surfing, and fishing. Moreover, the place entertains different kinds of family festivals and water sports competitions on both public and private levels throughout the year.
It is yet another reason why Dharabi is one of the most popular lakes in Chakwal. Once fully developed, this tourist attraction in Punjab will serve as an ideal weekend getaway for families residing in nearby cities.
Present inhabitants
Presently the Malik and Rajgaan family, including other casts, are living in Dharabi. Malik’s family in this area stands out with their extraordinary professional growth. Most of them serve in the Armed forces.
Dharabi is a moderate-sized village where thousands of people live. The inhabitants of the village speak ‘Punjabi’ primarily to communicate.
Source of Earning
About 70 percent of the population of the village relies on agriculture, natural resources, and livestock as their primary sources of earning a livelihood. However, many villagers need enough crops production, as they fulfill their insufficiency by raising livestock.
Domestic farming in the village includes the breeding, raising, gathering, and caring for poultry, domestic animals, and domesticated wild animals, and collecting their products, such as milk, wool, and eggs.
Residence
Initially, the people used to live in cob houses, but recently the trend has changed. People now make sound cemented houses. Other sources of income include selling firewood, grass, fodder, medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetables.
According to locals, many people from Dharabi have shifted to Middle East countries to get jobs. They serve in Security Companies, Hotel Services, Hospitals, personal businesses, and restaurants.
Location
Dhrabi is a branch of the Soan River outfall in Indus River at about 5 kilometers from Balkasar village of tehsil and district Chakwal. The M2 motorway between Lahore and Islamabad crosses over this river.
Hopefully, this blog will inspire you to visit this amazing lake. Also, if you have any questions on Punjab or my experience traveling on a bicycle/motorbike, please comment below or email me. I’ll try to reply to you as soon as possible.
