Biratnagar

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Biratnagar
बिराटनगर
Gograha (Old Name)
Metropolitan City
View of Sunrise in Biratnagar
View of Sunrise in Biratnagar
Nickname(s): Industrial capital city of Nepal
Biratnagar is located in Nepal
Biratnagar
Biratnagar
Location of Biratnagar in map of Nepal.
Coordinates: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Nepal Nepal
Development Region Eastern
Zone Koshi
District Morang
Area
 • Total 58.48 km2 (22.58 sq mi)
Elevation 80 m (260 ft)
Population (2011)
 • Total 201,125 [1]
Time zone Nepal Standard Time (UTC+5:45)
Postal code 56600, 56613, 56614
Area code(s) 021
Website biratnagar.gov.np
biratnagarmun.gov.np

Biratnagar (Nepali: विराटनगर) is a sub-metropolitan municipality and the second largest city of Nepal after Kathmandu. Biratnagar is the industrial capital of Nepal and has a total area of 22.58 mi² (58.48 km²). Its geographical location is 26°28'60"N 87°16'60"E.[2] The city is located in Morang District in the Kosi Zone of eastern Nepal. It lies 399 km east of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, and 6 km north of the border of the Indian state of Bihar.

History

The old name of Biratnagar was Gograha Bazaar. In 1914 AD, Colonel Jit Bahadur Khatri, the district governor, laid the foundations of modern Biratnagar by moving the hospital, post office, jail and the customs, land registry, forestry and auditor offices to Gograha Bazaar from Rangeli, the district capital of Morang at the time.[3] Biratnagar got its present name in 1919 AD from Keshar Shamsher Rana after objects of historical importance, believed to be of King Virata's time, were found in the place.[3] The region is believed to be a part of the kingdom of Virata, mentioned in the Mahabharata. The ruins of the palace along with stone carved tools, idols and household objects can be seen protected in the southern part of Biratnagar, close to the border. In Nepali birat means huge and nagar means city.

On March 4, 1947 the first anti-Rana movement in Nepali soil took place in Biratnagar as the Biratnagar jute mill strike under the leadership of Girija Prasad Koirala along with Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala. Then after it sparked a countrywide anti-Rana demonstration that finally led to the abolishment of Rana rule in Nepal.

Demography

According to 2011 CBS census data, Biratnagar's population was 201,125.[4] It is the second largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu. It is the headquarters of Morang district. Most people follow Hinduism followed by Islam, Jainism, Kirat and Christianity. The main language is Nepali and Maithili (although the local dialect of Maithili differs from what is spoken further west). English is well understood by the educated mass.

Biratnagar is situated within one of the most ethnically diverse regions of Nepal, and the rural hinterland is home to a diverse cross section communities.

Climate

Climate data for Biratnagar Airport (1981-2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 22.7
(72.9)		 26.1
(79)		 30.9
(87.6)		 33.9
(93)		 33.3
(91.9)		 32.9
(91.2)		 32.1
(89.8)		 32.5
(90.5)		 32.1
(89.8)		 31.6
(88.9)		 29.3
(84.7)		 25.4
(77.7)		 30.23
(86.42)
Average low °C (°F) 9.0
(48.2)		 11.1
(52)		 15.6
(60.1)		 20.4
(68.7)		 23.3
(73.9)		 25.2
(77.4)		 25.6
(78.1)		 25.8
(78.4)		 24.7
(76.5)		 21.1
(70)		 15.3
(59.5)		 10.5
(50.9)		 18.97
(66.14)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 11.7
(0.461)		 13.2
(0.52)		 13.2
(0.52)		 53.1
(2.091)		 186.0
(7.323)		 302.4
(11.906)		 530.8
(20.898)		 378.3
(14.894)		 298.8
(11.764)		 91.8
(3.614)		 5.9
(0.232)		 6.6
(0.26)		 1,891.8
(74.483)
Source: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (Nepal)[5]

Transport

  • Road: Biratnagar is roughly 500 kilometres (310 mi) by road from Kathmandu. It is also well connected to other parts of the country by bus services.
  • Cross-border: Biratnagar is 7 kilometres (4 mi) north of Nepal's southern border with Bihar state, India. The crossing has a customs checkpoint for goods. Indian and Nepalese nationals cross freely. Jogbani town in Araria District is on the Indian side, where a rail line ends. There are direct trains from there to Katihar, Kolkata and New Delhi. A rail extension to Biratnagar has been proposed and surveyed.
  • Intracity: Cycle, rickshaws and taxis serve the city center. Auto rickshaws (Tempos) are available for longer distances outside the center. City safari or electric rickshaws are the most used transportation here, which connects all part of Biratnagar and is very cheap.

Tourism

Biratnagar is a great hub to explore the interesting places in eastern Nepal like Ilam. There are many things to do in the city. One can stroll along the unique market that is along a straight road which then branches out into smaller streets, where one can savor the street food. A number of colorful haat bazaars (weekly markets) are held each week in different parts of the town, where farmers from the rural hinterland set up stalls to trade agricultural produce, spices and handicrafts.

There are several gardens, temples and places of religious importance in Biratnagar. Gopal garden, located near Hathkhola and Hridreyandra Bal Udhhyan near Thulo Mill are two main gardens. Temples have been the jewel of Biratnagar. They are decorated in vibrant ways to make them attractive. The site of the remains of King Birat's palace and a local people's exhibitions of objects found during excavation there can be a place to visit. Besides all, Biratnagar is popular for people of the eastern region for shopping.

Biratnagar is ideal as a hub for travel plans in Eastern Nepal. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve famous for its wildlife, especially for bird-watching enthusiasts, is a mere 90-minute drive from the city. It is also home to the endangered wild buffaloes called "Arna" in Nepali.

The largest rhododendron forests of Tinjure, Milke and Jaljale can be reached in about 3–4 hours. Scenic treks with views of Mt. Makalu and Kanchenjunga can be started from the small towns of Basantapur or Tumlingtar.

The beautiful tea gardens of Ilam are just 4 hours' drive away. Another place of interest is the hilly district of Dhankuta with its orange orchards.

Another beautiful location near Biratnagar is Dharan (50 km from north of Biratnagar) which is 1.5 hour's journey by bus. The place is famous for Dantakali Temple, Pindeshwar Temple, Budha Subba Temple and Panch Kanya and is surrounded with hills and Bhedetar is a famous view point.

Religious fare

Biratnagar is equally famous for its high-spirited festival celebration. In Dashain, Nepal's biggest festival, large number of people including young persons visit the Kali Mandir, a temple that lies in the heart of the town. Also famous is Tihar, festival of lights, when the residents line their homes with Diyo (an earthen oil lamp), candles and decorative electrical lamps during the two days of celebration and there is decoration in main road which includes use of Banana tree and Bamboo in all shops. Firecrackers are banned in Nepal and are strictly prohibited to use during Tihar but smuggling it during Tihar is very popular.

Krishna Janmashtami (Krishna's birthday) is a festival that is heavily celebrated in Biratnagar. Thousands of people gather on second day of Krishna Astami to pull the Holy Cart (Rath) which goes around the city the length of which is approximately 8 km. This event is termed as the Rath Yatra (the Cart Journey). It is the second largest Krishna rath yatra in the world after the Puri rath yatra held in Puri, Orissa, India. Traffic will be halted for five to six hours on that day. It is believed that the Holy Cart (Rath) was driven by Lord Krishna. So, people keep a young child in the Holy Cart as a symbol of Krishna and pull the cart with joy to celebrate the Lord Krishna's birthday. The Rath is very big and heavy and needs hundreds of persons to move it. Mostly the recruits of Nepal Army are recruited to pull the heavy cart. It has an engine to run if required to move fast. It has brakes to stop it as it has to stop at many places to allow people to worship the Lord. Some people stay on top of the Rath to distribute prasad (holy fruits) to people. The Holy Cart will be followed by many smaller carts which are pulled by oxen. People in the smaller carts play the music and sing hymns with joy and happiness. It is the most important festival for the people of Biratnagar. So, almost all the schools and offices close after 1 p.m. to let the believers and spectators attend the Rath Yatra (the Cart Journey).

Chhath (Devanagari: छठ, छठी, छठ पर्व, छठ पुजा, डाला छठ, डाला पुजा, सुर्य षष्ठी) is an important festival for Madheshi and Bihari Hindus nowadays observed by all the Hindu communities. It is the only Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya and Chhathi Maiya (ancient Vedic Goddess Usha) is also celebrated in Biratnagar. The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya (the sun) for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes in the bank of rivers and ponds.

On the pooja day they collect fruits and prepare thekwa (sweet made of wheat) with great respect to Surya (the sun). Some people fast from two days prior of pooja and break their fast by drinking water after the ritual is over. Chhath is considered to be very pure and the pooja is performed with infinite respect to surya, the Sun. The view of Chhath can be observed in Singhiya River and Keshalia River in Biratnagar. The beautiful view of the river is seen that day.

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the festivals celebrated by Muslim community of Biratnagar. Christmas is celebrated by a small population of Christian minority.

Politics

Biratnagar, being the home and a political turf of Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Nepal, has always been a fertile ground for emerging as well as established politicians. Leaders like Man Mohan Adhikari, Sailaja Acharya, Bharat Mohan Adhikari and Mahesh Acharya all come from this city. Girija Prasad Koirala, the man who has been elected prime minister the most number of times in Nepal, and in the world[citation needed], also hails from Biratnagar. He was Prime Minister of Nepal four times, serving from 1991 to 1994, 1998 to 1999, 2000 to 2001, and from 2006 to 2008; he was also Acting Head of State from January 2007 to July 2008. Biratnagar is the politically most active city in the modern history of Nepal. The first and the historical aeroplane hijack which was to fund the political revolution also took place at the Biratnagar Airport. The hijack plan masterminded by Girija Prasad Koirala was executed by Durga Subedi, Nagendra Dhungel and Basant Bhattarai.[6]

Education

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Main article: list of educational institutions in Biratnagar

Biratnagar is the centre of education in the Eastern Development Region of Nepal. Home to the Purbanchal University, Biratnagar has a number of good colleges and educational institutes including medical and engineering institutes. The medium of teaching is English in all the private schools, colleges and universities whereas Nepali is the medium of instruction in government schools up to secondary level.

Hospitals

  • Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kanchanbari
  • Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Tankisinwari
  • Koshi Zonal Hospital
  • Neuro and Cardio Multispeciality Hospital
  • Golden Hospital
  • Shree Hospital
  • AIMS Hospital
  • City Hospital
  • Lifeguard Hospital
  • Birat Eye hospital
  • Morang Sahakari Hospital
  • Saptakoshi Nursing Home
  • Greencross Hospital
  • Hamro Hospital, Kanchanbari
  • Biratnagar Hospital
  • Biratnagar Eye Hospital
  • Ramlal Golchha Eye Hospital
  • Taparia Eye Care, Teenpainy
  • R.K. Children Hospital

Economy, trade and commerce

Biratnagar is one of Nepal's main centers of business, commerce and industry. The city is home to many businessmen. It exports instant noodles, biscuits and garments to India and other cities of Nepal. It also exports garments to the United States and some European countries. Biratnagar imports machinery, vehicles, computers, iron, and steel from India and clothes, slippers, and shoes from China. Biratnagar Sugar Mill and Biratnagar Jute Mill are Biratnagar's biggest industries.

The city also has a large marketplace. Biratnagar Market, extending from Golchha Chowk to Traffic Chowk, is one of the biggest markets in the eastern regions of Nepal, where almost any type of item can be purchased. Biratnagar is also home to many supermarkets like Nepal Bazaar and Sajilo Bazaar.

Art and literature

Biratnagar has been the ground for several literary personalities Bal krishna pokhrel, Bhanubhakta pokhrel, Parshu pradhan, Dadhiraj subedi, Biwas pokhrel, Nawaraj subba, etc. Some of the prominent books in Nepali literature have emerged from Biratnagar. Landmark books in Nepali poetry, Bholi Basne Bihan by Krishna Bhushan Bal and Jeevanko Chheubaata by Suman Pokhrel were created in this city. There is a popular culture of poetry recitation in regular sessions in various locations of Biratnagar.[7]

Recreation and entertainment

There are many places in Biratnagar to hang out. A lot of melas (fairs) are organized at various times of the year where people from all factions of society come to enjoy the rides and swings. Although very few national tournaments are organized here, many regional soccer tournaments can be observed in the city stadium ground. There are many recreational parks, movies, and libraries dotted around the city. Recently various Yoga Shivir or centres have been built by public bodies.

Television and radio

  • Makalu TV
  • Koshi FM 94.3 MHz
  • B FM 91.2 MHz
  • Hello FM 99.2 MHz
  • Sky FM 106.6 MHz
  • Radio Makalu 102.1 MHz
  • Radio Star 93.2 MHz
  • Radio Purbanchal FM 104.4 MHz
  • Radio Nagarik 100.4 MHz
  • Radio Purbeli Awaaz 98.4 Mhz

Print and online media

Several local and national daily, weekly and monthly publications are available in the city. The top notch media houses such as Kantipur, Nagarik and Aja Ko Samachar Patra print their publications in Biratnagar and distribute throughout the eastern Nepal. Top local dailies are Udgosh and Biratpath which have started providing daily news and updates in their websites beside their print editions. Online media are also emerging in the city. Ourbiratnagar.net is one such media which is getting popularity and increasing its viewers count. Local daily newspapers published in Biratnagar include:

  • Biratnagar Online
  • Ourbiratnagar.net
  • Darshan Daily
  • New Shristhi Daily
  • Ujyalo Patra Daily
  • Janabidroha Daily
  • Udgosh Daily
  • Biratpath Daily

Sports facilities

Biratnagar boasts many sports facilities. Shahid Maidan with a capacity of 6,000+ spectators is the most popular football stadium in the city. The Mahendra Gold Cup, now Birat Gold Cup, is held in the stadium, among other functions. There is a covered hall nearby Shahid Maidan where several indoor events can be organized. A cricket stadium is being constructed in Baijanathpur VDC in the outskirts of Biratnagar with the objective of organizing local and national-level cricket tournaments. Other facilities in the city include lawn tennis and basketball courts.

Notable residents

See also

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Location of Biratnagar - Falling Rain Genomics
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ "National Population Census 2011"
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=16917
  7. ↑ Dadhiraj Subedi, "नेपाली साहित्यका मुस्कानहरू (The Smiles of Nepali Literature)"- 2012, Purwanchal Sahitya Academy, Biratnagar - ISBN 978 9937248266

External links

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