Biratnagar

Photoberry Studio is authorized to upload this video. Using of this video on other channels without prior permission will be strictly prohibited. (Embedding to the websites is allowed) Video Sponsored By- Drone Man From Dharan /channel/UCiaBVOZF2JoLnbfxm8nsjwQ Biratnagar (Devanāgarī: विराटनगर) is the fifth largest city[7] and the capital[8][9][10] to Province No. 1 of Nepal. It has a population of 242,548 per the 2011 census. Five prime ministers of Nepal have come from Biratnagar and the city has been host to a number of revolutionary incidents in the country including the first labor strike leading to the anti-Rana movement, the first plane hijack, being the stronghold for the Nepali Congress etc. The city has been home to the Biratnagar Jute Mills, the first large scale industry of Nepal. It serves as an entrance point to a manifold of majestic destinations of Eastern Nepal[14] as well as the North-Eastern India.[15] Consequently, Biratnagar is the second Nepalese city to have a connection with the Indian Railways (following Janakpur) [16][17] and hold its own Integrated Check Post with the Indian border (following Birgunj). History The old name of Biratnagar was Gograha Bazaar. The ruins of temples, palaces and ponds are scattered in a vast area of Vedhyari, Buddhanagar VDC. The ruins of the buildings and deep wells are to be found in many areas. Since the last three to four centuries the encroachment by the newcomers has been a major problem to the old heritage. The typical people used to live in this ancient city and its nearby area since unknown past. They called themselves as "BIRAT RAJBANSHI" not to be confused with Bengali(Koch) Rajbanshi. 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.[20] Biratnagar got its present name in 1919 AD (around 1976 BS) from Keshar Shamsher Rana after objects of historical importance were found in the place.[20] 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.[21][dead link] On March 4, 1947, the first anti-Rana movement on Nepali soil took place in Biratnagar in the form of the Biratnagar jute mill strike under the leadership of Girija Prasad Koirala along with Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala. This sparked a countrywide anti-Rana demonstration that eventually led to the abolishment of Rana rule in Nepal. Religion Most people practice Hinduism followed by Islam, Jainism, Kirat, and Christianity. Biratnagar is known for its high-spirited festival celebration.[citation needed] In Dashain, Nepal's biggest festival, a large number of people including young persons visit the Kali Mandir, a temple that lies in the heart of the town. The Tihar festival, or festival of lights, occurs when residents line their homes with Diyo (earthen oil lamps), candles and decorative electrical lamps during two days of celebration. Decorations on the main road include the use of banana trees and bamboo in all shops. Firecrackers are banned in Nepal and are strictly prohibited during Tihar,[23] but smuggling them in during Tihar still occurs.[citation needed] Krishna Janmashtami (Krishna's birthday) is a festival that is heavily celebrated in Biratnagar. Thousands of people gather on the second day of Krishna Ashtami to pull the Holy Cart (Rath) which goes around the city the length of which is approximately 8 km. This event is termed the Rath Yatra (the Cart Journey). It is the largest rath yatra in Nepal and the second largest in Asia.[24] 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 men and women to move it. Mostly the recruits of the Nepalese Army are recruited to pull the heavy cart. It has an engine to run if required to move fast, and it has brakes to stop, 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 music and sing hymns of 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 (Cart Journey).

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