Biratnagar

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Biratnagar (बिराटनगर), Nepal's second largest city (municipality), is known for producing more political leaders in Nepal than any other part of the country. It equally is known for being the industry power-house of the counry. Biratnagar is located in Koshi Zone on the southern Terai belt of Nepal, near the south-eastern border with India. The population of the municipality according to the 2001 census was 166,674. Biratnagar is located at 26°28'60"N 87°16'60"E.^[1] It is the administrative centre of Morang district.

Fortunate to boast immense fertile areas of land, Biratnagar is also reputed for being an agro- and commerce hub. Being located at Nepal's southern border, the city actually abuts and Indian town, called Jogbani, where many locals go for shopping, or cross through to travel some other parts of India.

Biratnagar is linked with Kathmandu by road and air. Biratnagar Airport is the regional hub for vital air services serving the remote Eastern Hills, and there are regular flights to Kathmandu.

Climate

The weather in Biratnagar is mostly hot. Biratnagar experiences 6 seasons,

Industry

Demography

Biratnagar, with a population of 696,636, (According to 2009A.D) is Nepal's second biggest city it also lies in area where most of nation's Muslim minority live. In March 2008 two people were killed at the Choti(jama) mosque during evening prayers - a political group supporting monarchy in Nepal. Nepal Defence Army carried out the attack, the attack lead to a curfew being imposed on the district. In Biratnagar there are seven political regions and reelection has happened in 5 & 7 Regional Area which is full of Madeshi belt region. The election was on 28 Chaitar 2065 (10 April 2009) ^[2]

Transport

In 2008, a survey for a railway extension from India is underway.^[3].

Tourism

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (90-minute drive) is a bird-watching spot. The Koshi Barrage on the Koshi river (two-hour drive) is an impressive sight. Biratnagar is the hub of air routes in eastern Nepal.

Tourists discover Biratnagar on their way to the Himalayan states of India, Sikkim and Darjeeling. Visitors also arrive in Biratnagar by air to begin treks to mountains such as Kanchenjunga. More recently, tourists adventuring into Nepal's tea growing regions like Ilam and Dhankuta often spend a day or two in Biratnagar.

Religious fare

Biratnagar equally is famous for its high-spirit during festive seasons. In Dashain, Nepal's biggest festival, large number of people, including youths do queue up in Kali Mandir, that is located in the city's downtown. Also famous is Biratnagar's Tihar, second biggest festival, as the city is lighted full with candles and lot of sweets. More fireworks are done in this place than any other major cities of Nepal in Tihar.

Political heartland

Biratnagar, being land of B P Koirala, the first elected Prime Minister of Nepal, has always been fertile place for emerging politicians. High-flying leaders like Mahesh Acharya, Sailaja Acharya of Nepali Congress and communist leaders like Manmohan and Bharatmohan Adhikari have their residences in this city. The man who has been elected prime minister most number of times in Nepal, Girija Prasad Koirala, also hails from Biratnagar. His residence lies opposite the Koshi Zonal Hospital.

Culture

See also

• Railway stations in Nepal

References

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External links

• Homepage