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Biratnagar

Biratnagar (Nepali: विराटनगर) is a metropolitan city in Nepal, which serves as the capital of Koshi Province.[7][8][9] With a population of 242,548 as per the 2011 census,[10] it is the largest city in the province and also the headquarters of Morang district.[11] As per the preliminary report of 2021 Nepal census, Biratnagar has an estimated city population of 244,750. It is one of the cities of the Greater Birat Development Area which incorporates the cities of Biratnagar-Itahari-Gothgau-Biratchowk-Dharan[12] primarily located on the Koshi Highway in Eastern Nepal, with an estimated total urban agglomerated population of 804,300 people living in 159,332 households.[13] Biratnagar is located 399 km (248 mi) east of the capital, Kathmandu, and 6 km (3.7 mi) north of the bordering town of Jogbani in the Indian state of Bihar.

Biratnagar
विराटनगर
Biratnagar Metropolitan City
From top, left to right: Biratnagar Gate, Biratnagar industrial skyline, Biratnagar market skyline, Greenery panorama seen from Biratnagar Eye Hospital
Nicknames: 
Capital of Nepal[1][2][3]
Biratnagar
Location of Biratnagar in Koshi Province
Biratnagar
Biratnagar (Nepal)
Coordinates: 26°27′15″N 87°16′47″E / 26.45417°N 87.27972°E / 26.45417; 87.27972
Country   Nepal
ProvinceKoshi Province
DistrictMorang
Incorporated1914 (as district headquarters)
Upgraded to metropolitan city2017
Wards19
Government
 • TypeMayor-council
 • BodyBiratnagar Metropolitan City Council
 • Mayor (2022-2027)Nagesh Koirala (Congress)[4]
 • Deputy MayorShilpa Niraula Karki (CPN-UML)
 • Chief Administrative OfficerRajendra Parajuli [5]
Area
 • Total77 km2 (30 sq mi)
Elevation
80 m (260 ft)
Population
 (2021[6])
 • Total244,750
 • Rank6th (Nepal)[6]
1st (Koshi Province)
 • Density3,200/km2 (8,200/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialNepali
 • LocalMaithili,Magahi, Rajbanshi language (Nepal), Tharu, Bajjika, Limbu, Rai
Time zoneUTC+5:45 (NST)
Postal code
56613
Area code021
Websitebiratnagarmun.gov.np

Biratnagar was declared a metropolitan city on 22 May 2017,[14] a merger with additional wards pushing the total population to over 240,000.[15] It is the sixth most populous city of Nepal after Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bharatpur, Lalitpur and Birgunj, with 244,750 inhabitants living in 45,204 households as per 2021 Nepal census.[6] It is the most densely populated city among all cities out of the Kathmandu Valley.

The city is home to the Biratnagar Jute Mills, the first large-scale industry of Nepal. Besides being considered as the industrial capital of Nepal, the city has contributed actively to the Nepalese democracy movement by being the birthplace of five prime ministers of democratic Nepal. The latter claim is also evident from the fact that the first labor strike leading to the anti-Rana movement started from Biratnagar.

Modern-day Biratnagar serves as an entry point to eastern Nepal[16] as well as north-eastern India.[17] It is the second Nepalese city, after Janakpur, to have a connection with the Indian Railways[18][19] and the only city other than Birgunj to operate an integrated check post (ICP) on the Indian border.[20][21]

History

In 1914, Colonel Jit Bahadur Khatri, the then district governor, laid the foundations of modern Biratnagar by moving the hospital, post office, prison and the customs, land registry, forestry and auditor offices to Gograha Bazaar from Rangeli, the then district capital of Morang.[22]

Recorded history of Biratnagar dates back to beginning of the 7th century, when King Mung Mawrong Hang came to prominence in the terai lands of Limbuwan (present-day Sunsari, Morang and Jhapa area). He cleared much of the forest area in present-day Rangeli, east of Biratnagar, and built a town there. He named his Kingdom Morang after his name and rose to power.[23][24]

The old name of Biratnagar was Gograha Bazaar. The ruins of temples, palaces and ponds are scattered in a vast area to the south of the current city, in Vedhyari, Buddhanagar. The preservation of this heritage has been a major problem citing the encroachment by newcomers into the city.

The town was named Biratnagar in 1919 (1976 BS) by Keshar Shamsher Rana after the ruins of a palace, thought to be of King Virat (not proved), and other objects of historical importance were found.[22] Kingdom of Virata mentioned in Mahabharata is however believed to be Viratnagar, located in present-day Rajasthan. King Virata was the king of the Matsya Kingdom, in whose court the Pandavas spent a year in concealment during their exile. According to the Markandeya Purana, the famous seven Kirata kingdoms during the Mahabharat time were Aswakut or Kabul, Kulya or Kulu Valley, Matsya or North Bihar Paundra or Bengal, Sumer or Assam, Malak or Mlek or Lohit, Kinner Kirat or Garhwal and Nepal. In those days, the Kirat people were ruling all the lands from Himalayan Mountains to the sea shores of the Bay of Bengal.[25]

In Nepali, Birat (Nepali: विराट) refers to King "Virata" of the Matsya Kingdom and Nagar (Nepali: नगर) means "City"; Literally King Virata's City.

On 4 March 1947, the first anti-Rana movement in Nepal started in Biratnagar at the Biratnagar jute mills under the leadership of Girija Prasad Koirala and B. P. Koirala. This sparked a countrywide anti-Rana demonstration that eventually led to the abolishment of Rana rule in Nepal.

Climate

The highest temperature ever recorded in Biratnagar was 43.0 °C (109.4 °F) on the 14 April 1992, while the lowest temperature ever recorded was −1.0 °C (30.2 °F) in December 1970 and January 1971.[26]

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
(79.0)
30.9
(87.6)
33.9
(93.0)
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)
30.2
(86.4)
Daily mean °C (°F) 15.8
(60.4)
18.6
(65.5)
23.3
(73.9)
27.1
(80.8)
28.3
(82.9)
29.0
(84.2)
28.8
(83.8)
29.2
(84.6)
28.4
(83.1)
26.4
(79.5)
22.3
(72.1)
18.0
(64.4)
24.6
(76.3)
Average low °C (°F) 9.0
(48.2)
11.1
(52.0)
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
(70.0)
15.3
(59.5)
10.5
(50.9)
19.0
(66.2)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 11.7
(0.46)
13.2
(0.52)
13.2
(0.52)
53.1
(2.09)
186.0
(7.32)
302.4
(11.91)
530.8
(20.90)
378.3
(14.89)
298.8
(11.76)
91.8
(3.61)
5.9
(0.23)
6.6
(0.26)
1,891.8
(74.47)
Source: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (Nepal)[27]

Demography

At the time of the 2011 Nepal census, Biratnagar Metropolitan City had a population of 218,526. Of these, 39.4% spoke Maithili, 38.3% Nepali, 5.3% Urdu, 2.5% Rajasthani, 2.3% Tharu, 2.1% Rajbanshi, 2.0% Bhojpuri, 1.9% Hindi, 1.6% Newar, 0.8% Bengali, 0.6% Magahi, 0.5% Tamang, 0.4% Rai, 0.3% Gurung, 0.3% Limbu, 0.3% Magar, 0.2% Bhujel, 0.2% Uranw/Urau, 0.1% Bantawa, 0.1% Santali, 0.1% Sunuwar and 0.2% other languages as their first language.[28]

In terms of ethnicity/caste, 18.7% were Hill Brahmin, 10.0% Chhetri, 8.3% Musalman, 5.2% Yadav, 4.6% Newar, 3.6% Kewat, 3.3% Marwadi, 2.9% Dhanuk, 2.8% Teli, 2.8% Tharu, 2.6% Mallaha, 2.6% Rajbanshi, 2.2% other Terai, 2.0% Musahar, 1.8% Halwai, 1.6% Kathabaniyan, 1.5% Kayastha, 1.4% Sudhi, 1.3% Nuniya, 1.2% Dusadh/Paswan/Pasi, 1.2% Magar, 1.2% Rai, 1.0% Bengali, 1.0% Tamang, 0.9% Hajam/Thakur, 0.8% Kalwar, 0.8% Rajput, 0.7% Bantar/Sardar, 0.6% Chamar/Harijan/Ram, 0.6% Gurung, 0.6% Kami, 0.6% Koiri/Kushwaha, 0.6% Sanyasi/Dasnami, 0.6% Tatma/Tatwa, 0.5% Terai Brahmin, 0.5% Kurmi, 0.5% Limbu, 0.5% Sonar, 0.4% Badhaee, 0.3% other Dalit, 0.3% Dhobi, 0.3% Dom, 0.3% Gangai, 0.3% Gharti/Bhujel, 0.3% Jhangad/Dhagar, 0.3% Khatwe, 0.3% Majhi, 0.3% Punjabi/Sikh, 0.2% Badi, 0.2% Baraee, 0.2% Damai/Dholi, 0.2% Dev, 0.2% Khawas, 0.2% Sarki, 0.2% Thakuri, 0.1% Amat, 0.1% Bantawa, 0.1% Bin, 0.1% Chamling, 0.1% Danuwar, 0.1% Dhimal, 0.1% foreigners, 0.1% Gaderi/Bhedihar, 0.1% Halkhor, 0.1% Kahar, 0.1% Kumal, 0.1% Kumhar, 0.1% Lohar, 0.1% Satar/Santal, 0.1% Sunuwar, 0.1% Yakkha and 0.2% others.[29]

In terms of religion, 88.9% were Hindu, 8.2% Muslim, 1.1% Buddhist, 0.7% Kirati, 0.4% Christian, 0.3% Jain, 0.1% Prakriti and 0.2% others.[30]

In terms of literacy, 79.0% could read and write, 1.5% could only read and 19.4% could neither read nor write.[31]

Religion in Biratnagar (2011)
Religion Percent
Hinduism
89%
Islam
8%
Others
2%

[32]

languages in Biratnagar

  Nepali (39%)
  Maithili (38%)
  Urdu (5%)
  Rajastani (2%)
  Others (16%)

[32]

Ethnic groups in Biratnagar

  Madheshi (31%)
  Khas (30%)
  Muslim (8%)
  Newar (5%)
  Kewat (4%)
  Marwari (2%)
  Others (20%)

[33]

Transport

 
Biratnagar Airport Terminal
  • Air: Biratnagar Airport serves as a regional hub for the eastern part of the country. A subtotal of 10 flights per day are operated to Kathmandu which makes it the busiest domestic airport in the country after Pokhara. Frequent flights are also operated to Tumlingtar as well as other airports within the country.
 
Koshi Highway across Biratnagar
  • Road: Biratnagar is roughly 544 kilometres (340 mi) by road from Kathmandu. It is also well connected to all the parts of Province No. 1 including Dharan, Itahari and Dhankuta as well as to most parts of the country through regular bus service. The easternmost border-point of Kakarbhitta lies at a distance of 108 km (67 mi) from the city and can be reached via frequent buses running half-hourly from the buspark.
 
Rickshaw in Biratnagar
  • Trains: There are direct trains from the Indian cities of Katihar, Kolkata and New Delhi to the border town of Jogbani. The rail line ends in Jogbani, Araria district on the Indian side. Biratnagar is 7 km (4 mi) north of Nepal's southern border with Bihar, India. The crossing has a customs checkpoint for goods called as Rani Bhansar.[34] Indian and Nepalese nationals cross the border freely. A monorail extension to Biratnagar has been proposed and surveyed. As of 1 August 2019, the provincial government of Province No. 1 plans to establish a monorail system[35] running 30 km (19 mi) from Rani, Biratnagar to Itahari at an estimated budget of Rs. 30 billion.
  • Intracity: Cycle, motor vehicles, 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, connect all parts of Biratnagar, and are very cheap as well as environmentally friendly.

Economy

 
Morang Vyapar Sangh Gate

Biratnagar is the economic center of eastern Nepal. The first industry of Nepal, the Biratnagar jute mills, was established here. Biratnagar is driven by startup culture. The multi-million business house, Golchha Organisation, has its roots in Biratnagar where it started as a small startup business. Biratnagar is connected to a major custom route with India and has the second largest land port in Nepal.

Tourism

Biratnagar is a hub for explorers of places in eastern Nepal like Ilam, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha and Panchthar. 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 products, 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.

Dharan is 46 km (30 mi) and Itahari is 24 km (10 mi) north of Biratnagar. These places are famous for Taltalaiya, Ocean Park, Gokulam Resort, Dantakali Temple, Pindeshwor Temple, Budha Subba Temple and Panch Kanya. The hill-station of Bhedetar is a local viewpoint. The tea gardens of Ilam are approximately 4 hours' drive away. Another place of interest is the hilly district of Dhankuta with its orange orchards. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, popular with bird-watching enthusiasts, is a 90-minute drive from the city. It is 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. Treks with views of Mt. Makalu and Kanchenjunga can be started from the small towns of Basantapur or Tumlingtar.

Politics

 
Governor (Badahakim) Shiva Pratap Shumsher Thapa, Rana-Era Governor of Morang

The district headquarters of Morang were moved to Biratnagar from Rangeli in 1914 by the then district governor, Colonel Jit Bahadur Khatri. The next governor, Shiva Pratap Shumsher Thapa, further developed the town.[36] Krishna Prasad Koirala was the first major political leader based in Biratnagar. His sons Matrika Prasad Koirala and Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala were the prime ministers of Nepal after the fall of the Rana rule. Since then Biratnagar has been a major contributor to Nepali politics, and is the most politically active city in the country. Girija Prasad Koirala, the younger brother of Matrika and BP Koirala, was elected prime minister on four occasions; from 1991 to 1994, 1998 to 1999, 2000 to 2001, and from 2006 to 2008. He also served as the acting Head of State from January 2007 to July 2008. Man Mohan Adhikari, the first communist prime minister of Nepal was also born in Biratnagar. Leaders like Bharat Mohan Adhikari, Shailaja Acharya, Sushil Koirala, Lal Babu Pandit, Amod Prasad Upadhyay and Mahesh Acharya all hail from this city. The 1973 plane hijack, which was to fund the political revolution, took place at the Biratnagar Airport. The hijack plan, masterminded by Girija Prasad Koirala, was executed by Durga Subedi, Nagendra Dhungel and Basant Bhattarai.[37]

Nepali Congress's Nagesh Koirala and CPN UML's Shilpa Nirala Karki are the current Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the metropolitan respectively.

Education

Biratnagar is the center of education in eastern Nepal. Home to the Purbanchal University, Biratnagar has a number of colleges and educational institutes including medical and engineering institutes. There are two medical colleges in Biratnagar, the first one to open was Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital and second one was Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital.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. There are more than 80 schools, over 20 colleges and 21 hospitals in Biratnagar, the most after Kathmandu.

Art and literature

 
Entrance of Gurukul Theatre in Biratnagar

Biratnagar has been the ground for many prominent literary personalities like, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, Tarini Prasad Koirala, Dev Kumari Thapa, Bal Krishna Pokharel, Parashu Pradhan, Krishna Bhooshan Bal, Suman Pokhrel, Bhola Rijal, Bhuwan Dhungana and others. Some of the prominent books in Nepali literature have emerged from Biratnagar. Landmark books in Nepali poetry, Bholi Basne Bihan by Krishna Bhooshan Bal and Jeevanko Chheubaata by Suman Pokhrel were first published in this city. There is a popular culture of poetry recitation in regular sessions in various locations of Biratnagar.[38]

Biratnagar is the birthplace of the theater group, Aarohan Gurukul. The theater group was founded and registered with District Administration Office, Morang here in Biratnagar in 1982. The group has expanded its activities to Kathmandu and aboard.[39] This theatre group has produced dozens of theatrical plays including Agniko Katha and Yajnaseni and has got them performed across the countries. At present day, Aarohan Gurukul is considered as one of the major places of public attraction in Biratnagar.[40][41][42]

Sports

Cricket and association football are the most popular sports in Biratnagar. Biratnagar City F.C. is one of the heart beats of the footballing culture of the city. Sahid Rangsala with a capacity of 10,000+ spectators is the largest football stadium in the city. Sahid Maidan is the home stadium of Morang Football Club. The Mahendra Gold Cup, now Birat Gold Cup, is held in the stadium along with district divisional league matches. There is a covered hall nearby Sahid Maidan where indoor events can be organized. A cricket stadium is being constructed in Baijanathpur on 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

Medical professionals

Actors, actresses and comedians

Politics

Sports men

See also

References

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  42. ^ "आरोहण गुरुकुल विराटनगरमा एक चिहान". Retrieved 2021-02-08.

External links

biratnagar, this, article, needs, additional, citations, verification, please, help, improve, this, article, adding, citations, reliable, sources, unsourced, material, challenged, removed, find, sources, news, newspapers, books, scholar, jstor, 2015, learn, wh. This article needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources Unsourced material may be challenged and removed Find sources Biratnagar news newspapers books scholar JSTOR May 2015 Learn how and when to remove this template message Biratnagar Nepali व र टनगर is a metropolitan city in Nepal which serves as the capital of Koshi Province 7 8 9 With a population of 242 548 as per the 2011 census 10 it is the largest city in the province and also the headquarters of Morang district 11 As per the preliminary report of 2021 Nepal census Biratnagar has an estimated city population of 244 750 It is one of the cities of the Greater Birat Development Area which incorporates the cities of Biratnagar Itahari Gothgau Biratchowk Dharan 12 primarily located on the Koshi Highway in Eastern Nepal with an estimated total urban agglomerated population of 804 300 people living in 159 332 households 13 Biratnagar is located 399 km 248 mi east of the capital Kathmandu and 6 km 3 7 mi north of the bordering town of Jogbani in the Indian state of Bihar Biratnagar व र टनगरMetropolitan CityBiratnagar Metropolitan CityFrom top left to right Biratnagar Gate Biratnagar industrial skyline Biratnagar market skyline Greenery panorama seen from Biratnagar Eye HospitalNicknames Capital of Nepal 1 2 3 BiratnagarLocation of Biratnagar in Koshi ProvinceShow map of Koshi ProvinceBiratnagarBiratnagar Nepal Show map of NepalCoordinates 26 27 15 N 87 16 47 E 26 45417 N 87 27972 E 26 45417 87 27972Country NepalProvinceKoshi ProvinceDistrictMorangIncorporated1914 as district headquarters Upgraded to metropolitan city2017Wards19Government TypeMayor council BodyBiratnagar Metropolitan City Council Mayor 2022 2027 Nagesh Koirala Congress 4 Deputy MayorShilpa Niraula Karki CPN UML Chief Administrative OfficerRajendra Parajuli 5 Area Total77 km2 30 sq mi Elevation80 m 260 ft Population 2021 6 Total244 750 Rank6th Nepal 6 1st Koshi Province Density3 200 km2 8 200 sq mi Languages OfficialNepali LocalMaithili Magahi Rajbanshi language Nepal Tharu Bajjika Limbu RaiTime zoneUTC 5 45 NST Postal code56613Area code021Websitebiratnagarmun wbr gov wbr npBiratnagar was declared a metropolitan city on 22 May 2017 14 a merger with additional wards pushing the total population to over 240 000 15 It is the sixth most populous city of Nepal after Kathmandu Pokhara Bharatpur Lalitpur and Birgunj with 244 750 inhabitants living in 45 204 households as per 2021 Nepal census 6 It is the most densely populated city among all cities out of the Kathmandu Valley The city is home to the Biratnagar Jute Mills the first large scale industry of Nepal Besides being considered as the industrial capital of Nepal the city has contributed actively to the Nepalese democracy movement by being the birthplace of five prime ministers of democratic Nepal The latter claim is also evident from the fact that the first labor strike leading to the anti Rana movement started from Biratnagar Modern day Biratnagar serves as an entry point to eastern Nepal 16 as well as north eastern India 17 It is the second Nepalese city after Janakpur to have a connection with the Indian Railways 18 19 and the only city other than Birgunj to operate an integrated check post ICP on the Indian border 20 21 Contents 1 History 2 Climate 3 Demography 4 Transport 5 Economy 6 Tourism 7 Politics 8 Education 9 Art and literature 10 Sports 11 Notable residents 11 1 Medical professionals 11 2 Actors actresses and comedians 11 3 Politics 11 4 Sports men 12 See also 13 References 14 External linksHistory EditIn 1914 Colonel Jit Bahadur Khatri the then district governor laid the foundations of modern Biratnagar by moving the hospital post office prison and the customs land registry forestry and auditor offices to Gograha Bazaar from Rangeli the then district capital of Morang 22 Recorded history of Biratnagar dates back to beginning of the 7th century when King Mung Mawrong Hang came to prominence in the terai lands of Limbuwan present day Sunsari Morang and Jhapa area He cleared much of the forest area in present day Rangeli east of Biratnagar and built a town there He named his Kingdom Morang after his name and rose to power 23 24 The old name of Biratnagar was Gograha Bazaar The ruins of temples palaces and ponds are scattered in a vast area to the south of the current city in Vedhyari Buddhanagar The preservation of this heritage has been a major problem citing the encroachment by newcomers into the city The town was named Biratnagar in 1919 1976 BS by Keshar Shamsher Rana after the ruins of a palace thought to be of King Virat not proved and other objects of historical importance were found 22 Kingdom of Virata mentioned in Mahabharata is however believed to be Viratnagar located in present day Rajasthan King Virata was the king of the Matsya Kingdom in whose court the Pandavas spent a year in concealment during their exile According to the Markandeya Purana the famous seven Kirata kingdoms during the Mahabharat time were Aswakut or Kabul Kulya or Kulu Valley Matsya or North Bihar Paundra or Bengal Sumer or Assam Malak or Mlek or Lohit Kinner Kirat or Garhwal and Nepal In those days the Kirat people were ruling all the lands from Himalayan Mountains to the sea shores of the Bay of Bengal 25 In Nepali Birat Nepali व र ट refers to King Virata of the Matsya Kingdom and Nagar Nepali नगर means City Literally King Virata s City On 4 March 1947 the first anti Rana movement in Nepal started in Biratnagar at the Biratnagar jute mills under the leadership of Girija Prasad Koirala and B P Koirala This sparked a countrywide anti Rana demonstration that eventually led to the abolishment of Rana rule in Nepal Climate EditThe highest temperature ever recorded in Biratnagar was 43 0 C 109 4 F on the 14 April 1992 while the lowest temperature ever recorded was 1 0 C 30 2 F in December 1970 and January 1971 26 Climate data for Biratnagar Airport 1981 2010 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec YearAverage high C F 22 7 72 9 26 1 79 0 30 9 87 6 33 9 93 0 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 2 86 4 Daily mean C F 15 8 60 4 18 6 65 5 23 3 73 9 27 1 80 8 28 3 82 9 29 0 84 2 28 8 83 8 29 2 84 6 28 4 83 1 26 4 79 5 22 3 72 1 18 0 64 4 24 6 76 3 Average low C F 9 0 48 2 11 1 52 0 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 0 15 3 59 5 10 5 50 9 19 0 66 2 Average precipitation mm inches 11 7 0 46 13 2 0 52 13 2 0 52 53 1 2 09 186 0 7 32 302 4 11 91 530 8 20 90 378 3 14 89 298 8 11 76 91 8 3 61 5 9 0 23 6 6 0 26 1 891 8 74 47 Source Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Nepal 27 Demography EditAt the time of the 2011 Nepal census Biratnagar Metropolitan City had a population of 218 526 Of these 39 4 spoke Maithili 38 3 Nepali 5 3 Urdu 2 5 Rajasthani 2 3 Tharu 2 1 Rajbanshi 2 0 Bhojpuri 1 9 Hindi 1 6 Newar 0 8 Bengali 0 6 Magahi 0 5 Tamang 0 4 Rai 0 3 Gurung 0 3 Limbu 0 3 Magar 0 2 Bhujel 0 2 Uranw Urau 0 1 Bantawa 0 1 Santali 0 1 Sunuwar and 0 2 other languages as their first language 28 In terms of ethnicity caste 18 7 were Hill Brahmin 10 0 Chhetri 8 3 Musalman 5 2 Yadav 4 6 Newar 3 6 Kewat 3 3 Marwadi 2 9 Dhanuk 2 8 Teli 2 8 Tharu 2 6 Mallaha 2 6 Rajbanshi 2 2 other Terai 2 0 Musahar 1 8 Halwai 1 6 Kathabaniyan 1 5 Kayastha 1 4 Sudhi 1 3 Nuniya 1 2 Dusadh Paswan Pasi 1 2 Magar 1 2 Rai 1 0 Bengali 1 0 Tamang 0 9 Hajam Thakur 0 8 Kalwar 0 8 Rajput 0 7 Bantar Sardar 0 6 Chamar Harijan Ram 0 6 Gurung 0 6 Kami 0 6 Koiri Kushwaha 0 6 Sanyasi Dasnami 0 6 Tatma Tatwa 0 5 Terai Brahmin 0 5 Kurmi 0 5 Limbu 0 5 Sonar 0 4 Badhaee 0 3 other Dalit 0 3 Dhobi 0 3 Dom 0 3 Gangai 0 3 Gharti Bhujel 0 3 Jhangad Dhagar 0 3 Khatwe 0 3 Majhi 0 3 Punjabi Sikh 0 2 Badi 0 2 Baraee 0 2 Damai Dholi 0 2 Dev 0 2 Khawas 0 2 Sarki 0 2 Thakuri 0 1 Amat 0 1 Bantawa 0 1 Bin 0 1 Chamling 0 1 Danuwar 0 1 Dhimal 0 1 foreigners 0 1 Gaderi Bhedihar 0 1 Halkhor 0 1 Kahar 0 1 Kumal 0 1 Kumhar 0 1 Lohar 0 1 Satar Santal 0 1 Sunuwar 0 1 Yakkha and 0 2 others 29 In terms of religion 88 9 were Hindu 8 2 Muslim 1 1 Buddhist 0 7 Kirati 0 4 Christian 0 3 Jain 0 1 Prakriti and 0 2 others 30 In terms of literacy 79 0 could read and write 1 5 could only read and 19 4 could neither read nor write 31 Religion in Biratnagar 2011 Religion PercentHinduism 89 Islam 8 Others 2 32 languages in Biratnagar Nepali 39 Maithili 38 Urdu 5 Rajastani 2 Others 16 32 Ethnic groups in Biratnagar Madheshi 31 Khas 30 Muslim 8 Newar 5 Kewat 4 Marwari 2 Others 20 33 Transport Edit Biratnagar Airport Terminal Air Biratnagar Airport serves as a regional hub for the eastern part of the country A subtotal of 10 flights per day are operated to Kathmandu which makes it the busiest domestic airport in the country after Pokhara Frequent flights are also operated to Tumlingtar as well as other airports within the country Koshi Highway across Biratnagar Road Biratnagar is roughly 544 kilometres 340 mi by road from Kathmandu It is also well connected to all the parts of Province No 1 including Dharan Itahari and Dhankuta as well as to most parts of the country through regular bus service The easternmost border point of Kakarbhitta lies at a distance of 108 km 67 mi from the city and can be reached via frequent buses running half hourly from the buspark Rickshaw in Biratnagar Trains There are direct trains from the Indian cities of Katihar Kolkata and New Delhi to the border town of Jogbani The rail line ends in Jogbani Araria district on the Indian side Biratnagar is 7 km 4 mi north of Nepal s southern border with Bihar India The crossing has a customs checkpoint for goods called as Rani Bhansar 34 Indian and Nepalese nationals cross the border freely A monorail extension to Biratnagar has been proposed and surveyed As of 1 August 2019 the provincial government of Province No 1 plans to establish a monorail system 35 running 30 km 19 mi from Rani Biratnagar to Itahari at an estimated budget of Rs 30 billion Intracity Cycle motor vehicles 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 connect all parts of Biratnagar and are very cheap as well as environmentally friendly Economy Edit Morang Vyapar Sangh Gate Biratnagar is the economic center of eastern Nepal The first industry of Nepal the Biratnagar jute mills was established here Biratnagar is driven by startup culture The multi million business house Golchha Organisation has its roots in Biratnagar where it started as a small startup business Biratnagar is connected to a major custom route with India and has the second largest land port in Nepal Tourism EditBiratnagar is a hub for explorers of places in eastern Nepal like Ilam Taplejung Sankhuwasabha and Panchthar 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 products 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 Dharan is 46 km 30 mi and Itahari is 24 km 10 mi north of Biratnagar These places are famous for Taltalaiya Ocean Park Gokulam Resort Dantakali Temple Pindeshwor Temple Budha Subba Temple and Panch Kanya The hill station of Bhedetar is a local viewpoint The tea gardens of Ilam are approximately 4 hours drive away Another place of interest is the hilly district of Dhankuta with its orange orchards The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve popular with bird watching enthusiasts is a 90 minute drive from the city It is 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 Treks with views of Mt Makalu and Kanchenjunga can be started from the small towns of Basantapur or Tumlingtar Politics Edit Governor Badahakim Shiva Pratap Shumsher Thapa Rana Era Governor of MorangFurther information Biratnagar Jute Mill Strike The district headquarters of Morang were moved to Biratnagar from Rangeli in 1914 by the then district governor Colonel Jit Bahadur Khatri The next governor Shiva Pratap Shumsher Thapa further developed the town 36 Krishna Prasad Koirala was the first major political leader based in Biratnagar His sons Matrika Prasad Koirala and Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala were the prime ministers of Nepal after the fall of the Rana rule Since then Biratnagar has been a major contributor to Nepali politics and is the most politically active city in the country Girija Prasad Koirala the younger brother of Matrika and BP Koirala was elected prime minister on four occasions from 1991 to 1994 1998 to 1999 2000 to 2001 and from 2006 to 2008 He also served as the acting Head of State from January 2007 to July 2008 Man Mohan Adhikari the first communist prime minister of Nepal was also born in Biratnagar Leaders like Bharat Mohan Adhikari Shailaja Acharya Sushil Koirala Lal Babu Pandit Amod Prasad Upadhyay and Mahesh Acharya all hail from this city The 1973 plane hijack which was to fund the political revolution took place at the Biratnagar Airport The hijack plan masterminded by Girija Prasad Koirala was executed by Durga Subedi Nagendra Dhungel and Basant Bhattarai 37 Nepali Congress s Nagesh Koirala and CPN UML s Shilpa Nirala Karki are the current Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the metropolitan respectively Education EditBiratnagar is the center of education in eastern Nepal Home to the Purbanchal University Biratnagar has a number of colleges and educational institutes including medical and engineering institutes There are two medical colleges in Biratnagar the first one to open was Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital and second one was Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital 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 There are more than 80 schools over 20 colleges and 21 hospitals in Biratnagar the most after Kathmandu Art and literature Edit Entrance of Gurukul Theatre in Biratnagar Biratnagar has been the ground for many prominent literary personalities like Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala Tarini Prasad Koirala Dev Kumari Thapa Bal Krishna Pokharel Parashu Pradhan Krishna Bhooshan Bal Suman Pokhrel Bhola Rijal Bhuwan Dhungana and others Some of the prominent books in Nepali literature have emerged from Biratnagar Landmark books in Nepali poetry Bholi Basne Bihan by Krishna Bhooshan Bal and Jeevanko Chheubaata by Suman Pokhrel were first published in this city There is a popular culture of poetry recitation in regular sessions in various locations of Biratnagar 38 Biratnagar is the birthplace of the theater group Aarohan Gurukul The theater group was founded and registered with District Administration Office Morang here in Biratnagar in 1982 The group has expanded its activities to Kathmandu and aboard 39 This theatre group has produced dozens of theatrical plays including Agniko Katha and Yajnaseni and has got them performed across the countries At present day Aarohan Gurukul is considered as one of the major places of public attraction in Biratnagar 40 41 42 Sports Edit Sahid Rangsala Cricket and association football are the most popular sports in Biratnagar Biratnagar City F C is one of the heart beats of the footballing culture of the city Sahid Rangsala with a capacity of 10 000 spectators is the largest football stadium in the city Sahid Maidan is the home stadium of Morang Football Club The Mahendra Gold Cup now Birat Gold Cup is held in the stadium along with district divisional league matches There is a covered hall nearby Sahid Maidan where indoor events can be organized A cricket stadium is being constructed in Baijanathpur on 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 courtsNotable residents EditMedical professionals Bhola Rijal gynaecologist and poetActors actresses and comedians Edit Sushila Koirala classical dancer theater director and wife of Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala Suman Pokhrel poet lyricist playwright Sunil Pokhrel actor Shilpa Maskey actress Shiv Shrestha actor Ranu Devi Adhikari singer Deepa Shree Niraula actress Arunima Lamsal actressPolitics Edit Matrika Prasad Koirala 18th Prime Minister of Nepal Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala 22nd Prime Minister of Nepal and a psychoanalytic writer Girija Prasad Koirala 30th Prime Minister of Nepal Man Mohan Adhikari 31st Prime Minister of NepalSushil Koirala 37th Prime Minister of Nepal Shailaja Acharya Nepali Congress politician and former DPM Amod Prasad Upadhyay Nepali Congress politician Shekhar Koirala Nepali Congress politician Bharat Mohan Adhikari CPN UML leaderTarini Prasad Koirala Nepali Congress leader Yuvaraj Adhikari Nepali Congress leader Mahesh Acharya Nepali Congress politician Upendra Yadav People s Socialist Party Nepal politician Lal Babu Pandit Nepal Communist Party politician Sujata Koirala Nepali Congress leaderSports men Edit Siddhant Lohani cricketer Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi cricketer Bhola Silwal footballerSee also Edit2022 Biratnagar municipal electionReferences Edit Biratnagar is the most industry friendly chut city in Nepal New Business Age monthly business magazine in English published from Nepal www newbusinessage com Archived from the original on 2020 09 26 Retrieved 2018 04 21 Biratnagar so special to Nepal s industrial history Archived from the original on 2018 10 11 Retrieved 2018 04 21 Flights To Biratnagar Book Tickets Online To Biratnagar Buddha Air www buddhaair com Archived from the original on 2021 01 16 Retrieved 2019 07 28 name brt gt व र टनगर मह नगरप ल क ग हप ष ठ व र टनगर मह नगरप ल क Archived from the original on 2021 01 23 Retrieved 2018 10 28 व र टनगर मह नगरप ल क ग हप ष ठ व र टनगर मह नगरप ल क a b c Preliminary Report of Census 2021 PDF cbs gov np Archived from the original PDF on 6 February 2022 Retrieved 24 February 2022 Biratnagar celebrates its status of provincial capital thehimalayantimes com 19 January 2018 Archived from the original on 20 January 2018 Retrieved 19 January 2018 Locals intensify protest in Dhankuta after Biratnagar named as provincial HQ kathmandupost ekantipur com 19 January 2018 Archived from the original on 18 January 2018 Retrieved 19 January 2018 Nepal government announces Provincial Capitals and Chiefs ddinews gov in 17 January 2018 Archived from the original on 19 January 2018 Retrieved 19 January 2018 National Population Census 2011 PDF Archived from the original PDF on 24 January 2013 Retrieved 6 November 2012 व र टनगर मह नगरप ल क न प ल सरक र biratnagarmun gov np Archived from the original on 2017 01 25 Retrieved 2017 01 22 Capital of Province 1 to be scattered in various districts Archived from the original on 2021 05 13 Retrieved 2022 02 24 National Census 2021 censusnepal cbs gov np Archived from the original on 27 January 2022 Retrieved 24 February 2022 Taskforce recommends adding 23 local units elevating Birgunj and Biratnagar as metros Archived from the original on 2017 05 22 Retrieved 2022 02 24 Biratnagar excited to celebrate metropolitan promotion Archived from the original on 2017 11 14 Retrieved 2022 02 24 Things to Do amp Places To Visit Near Biratnagar Nepal 2018 08 11 Archived from the original on 2019 02 17 Retrieved 2019 06 15 Tripoto Weekend Getaways from Biratnagar Places to Visit Near Biratnagar it Getaways from Biratnagar Tripoto Archived from the original on 2021 11 10 Retrieved 2019 06 15 Subedi Binod Biratnagar town connected with Indian railway network My Republica Archived from the original on 2021 11 10 Retrieved 2019 06 15 1st cargo train arrives near Biratnagar kathmandupost ekantipur com Archived from the original on 2018 08 01 Retrieved 2019 06 15 Biratnagar ICP to be operational from next week GorakhaPatra Archived from the original on 2020 09 19 Retrieved 2020 01 19 PM Oli Modi to inaugurate Biratnagar ICP via video conferencing Khabarhub English News 2020 01 18 Archived from the original on 2020 11 27 Retrieved 2020 01 19 a b Dambar Krishna Shrestha amp Kamal Rimal १०० वर षक व र टनगर मण ख ज द Biratnagar Turns 100 Seeking Glory Himal Khabar Himal Media Archived from the original on 26 December 2013 Retrieved 26 December 2013 Land and social change in east Nepal By Lionel Caplan 2000 History and Culture of the Kirat People Part I II Dutt M N 1896 Markandeya Puranam Elysium Press EXTREME TEMPERATURES OF MONTH NOVEMBER PDF Archived from the original PDF on 2016 03 04 Retrieved 2022 02 24 Normals from 1981 2010 PDF Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Nepal Archived PDF from the original on 19 August 2019 Retrieved 20 October 2012 NepalMap Language 1 NepalMap Caste 2 NepalMap Religion 3 NepalMap Literacy 4 a b NepalMap profile Biratnagar Metropolitan NepalMap Retrieved 15 July 2022 NepalMap profile Biratnagar Metropolitan NepalMap Retrieved 15 July 2022 Biratnagar Custom Biratnagar Department of Customs Biratnagar Customs Office customs gov np Archived from the original on 2020 02 16 Retrieved 2020 02 16 The Rising Nepal 70 per cent of estimate cost for the monorail project in Biratnagar secured therisingnepal org np Archived from the original on 2019 07 28 Retrieved 2019 07 28 Biratnagar The Heart throb of Eastern Nepal DWIT News 7 September 2015 Archived from the original on 21 October 2016 Retrieved 20 October 2016 Documentary on Nepal plane hijacking screened The Kathmandu Post Archived from the original on 2020 06 18 Retrieved 2020 06 18 Dadhiraj Subedi न प ल स ह त यक म स क नहर The Smiles of Nepali Literature 2012 Purwanchal Sahitya Academy Biratnagar ISBN 978 9937248266 Aarohan A parameter between life and death a struggle ECS NEPAL Retrieved 2021 02 08 Sushil Poudel Kolkota 13 January 2017 द र पद क आ ख ब ट मह भ रत The Mahabharata in Draupadi s Perspective Kathmandu Retrieved 2021 04 20 Aarohan Theatre Group Kathmandu By Nepal com Retrieved 2021 02 08 आर हण ग र क ल व र टनगरम एक च ह न Retrieved 2021 02 08 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Biratnagar 26 27 15 N 87 16 47 E 26 4542 N 87 2797 E 26 4542 87 2797 Official website Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Biratnagar Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Biratnagar amp oldid 1161798958, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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