Biratnagar

Country: Nepal

Zone: Koshi

District: Morang

Elevation: 262’

Official language: Nepali

Development region: Eastern

Coordinates: 26°27’15”N 87°16’47”E

Biratnagar is located in the Morang District of Nepal. It lies in the Koshi Zone. Biratnagar is the second largest city of Nepal, and it is located near the Terai on the south eastern border with India. The city is located in Morang District of Eastern Nepal. It is famous for industry, commerce and agriculture in Nepal as most of the manufacturing industries are located in this region. Rather than being a destination, it is visited more like a transit point before beginning a trek to the mountains of Kanchanjunga or visiting the tea states of Nepal like Illam and Dhankuta. This second biggest city of Nepal is also believed to be the capital of language, culture and politics of the country. It also has a historical significance in the political scenario of the country as the first democratic movement was initiated from here, from Biratnagar Jute Mills.

Biratnagar is also connected to the India border which makes it an ideal place for shopping to the people living within and few kilometers away from the city. Many people living in the eastern region come to the place on a shopping. About a ninety kilometer drive from Biratnagar takes one to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and also the famous Koshi Barrage on the river Koshi is a sight to see. This area also serves as a picnic spots for the people living around the nearby towns. About two kilometers away from the Koshi River is the famous Temple of goddess Kankalini where buffalo sacrifices take place every year during the eighth day of Dashain. Biratnagar also serves as an air route hub as the people going to Dharan, Rajbiraj, Dhankuta, etc. Moreover, an hour’s scenic drive away from Biratnagar takes one to the holy Hindu pilgrimage of Baraha Chhetra. This famous site is situated at the confluence of koka and Sapta Koshi Rivers.

Although the city is big, the area is mostly occupied by industries and residents and there is not much to see within the city except for the open market that takes place in the eastern side of the city. Also, the Kali Temple in the middle of Biratnagar market area is famous. There are few Temples of the Hindu gods and goddesses and also some fortune tellers of the area are famous. Many people come to the place to show their china to these people to known about their future before they start a new venture. Biratnagar equally is famous for its high spirit during festive seasons. In Dashain, Nepal biggest festival, large number of people, including youths do queue up in Kali Mandir, it is located in the city downtown. Biratnagar is also famous for 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. And Biratnagar is also famous for celebrating Jatra known as Rath yatra in Nepali. And it is celebrated in second day of Krishna Astami. Biratnagar is the second largest jatra celebrating city in Asia.