Siddharthanagar


Siddharthanagar is a municipality and the administrative headquarter of Rupandehi District on the Outer Terai plains of Nepal, west of Kathmandu Nepal's capital. It is the closest city to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, which is located to the west. The city borders the Indian city of Sonauli in Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh. The city is among the major industrial power house in the country impacting major economic aspects of Nepal. It has the second largest rate of border trade with India after Birgunj border in the country. Although the current name was first used in 1977, many still refer to it as Bhairahawa.

History and Etymology

The city was founded as Bhairahawa in 1967. was derived from the deity Bhairava a manifestation of Shiva. The city's current name Siddharthanagar derives from Buddha's given name Siddhartha, as the birthplace of Buddha is located only to the west. The name was changed to Siddhartanagar in 1977 by Komal Dutta Tiwari, a poet.

Climate

The highest temperature ever recorded in Siddharthanagar was on 7 June 1998, while the lowest temperature ever recorded was on 20 January 1971.

Demographics

The population of Siddarthanagar in 2001 was 63,528. According to the 2011 census it was 63,483.

Economy

Siddharthnagar is a major trading city of Nepal.
There is a custom check point 5 km south near Indian border for the goods transport between India and Nepal.
Around Siddharthanagar, there are several small and large scale industries.
In west towards lumbini there cement and textile industries while there are many steel and block industries in east.
Bhairahawa Special Economic Zone was proposed to increase trade between Nepal and India. Government of Nepal has been encouraging different industries to establish their plant in the SEZ.

Transportation

Siddharthanagar is located at Siddhartha Highway, which extends southwards to the Indian border at Sunauli and north through Butwal and Pokhara.
Gautam Buddha Airport is located 3 kilometers from the center and offers daily flights to Kathmandu. It is being upgraded to a regional international airport.
Transportation options around the city and into surrounding areas include bus, minibus, unmetered taxicab and cycle rickshaw. There is regular bus service to Lumbini and Butwal.

Immigration office

Border Crossing - Nepal has an open border where movement of Indian and Nepalese nationals concerned. There is a customs checkpoint for goods and third-country nationals.

Railway

The city is close to Nautanwa railway station.

Non-profit organizations

There are several NGOs are working in Siddharthanagar. Terai Development Forum is one working for healthy, social and economic status of female, children and poor community by using local resources and increasing capability for their services and justifiable accession to the resources.
FSC Rupandehi is the only a Non-profit organisation working for Farmers Families
Development in Rupandehi and also supporting to others district by developing Non-profit organisation.
Actually, more than 75% of total population are depending on Agro occupation In Siddharthanagar municipality also.
Samriddhi Foundation is one which is working in education and health sectors.

Education

There are several higher education facilities in Siddharthanagar including Rupandehi Campus, IAAS Paklihawa Campus, and Universal College of Medical Sciences

Media

Siddharthanagar has three FM radio stations:
All major Nepali Newspapers are circulated in Siddharthanagar, while several local ones including Gautam Buddha Sandes, Lumbini Khabar,
Naribimba, and Siddhartha Post.

Culture

s are in the majority, with a significant minority of Muslims and Buddhists associated with sites commemorating Gautama Buddha's life and relics. There is diversity in the culture as people from several part of country live here. Awadhi and Bhojpuri culture is native identity.

Cuisine

The local cuisine is influenced by the Awadhi cuisine.

Health

Siddharthanagar has a highly developed healthcare system with several famous hospitals including Bhim hospital, and Lumbini Eye Institute.

Places of interest