Ghorahi

Ghorahi is the main town of the Rapti Zone and also the headquarters of the Dang district. It is located at an elevation of 2,300 feet (700 m) in the Mahabharat-Chure hill region.

The hills of Dang Valley are part of the Mahabharat and Chure Range.

Hand axes and other artifacts dated to early Paleolithic (1.8 million to 100,000 years ago) have been found in alluvial deposits along the Babai River in Dang Valley. Archeologists classify these as Acheulean, i.e. 'second-generation' toolmaking that succeeds the very oldest Olduwan. There are more numerous, less ancient archeological sites dating to the Upper Paleolithic/Late Pleistocene (about 50,000 to 10,000 years ago). These are also along the Babai, as well as in Deukhuri Valley (Rapti River) adjacent and south of Dang Valley.[3][4]

Throughout historic times, and probably earlier, the Dang and Deukhuri valleys were home to indigenous Tharu people.

The House of Tulsipur ruled one of the largest Taluqs of Oudh, India, which then included the Dang and Deukhuri Valleys. Therefore, it also counted as one of the Baise Rajya (Nepali: बाइसे राज्य; 22 Principalities), a confederation in what became western Nepal. The town shares its name with another Tulsipur in Dang Deukhuri District, Nepal (c. 65 kilometres (40 mi) north); the two towns are linked historically by having the same ruler. About 1760 AD, these kingdoms were annexed by the Shah Dynasty during the reunification of Nepal. Tulsipur lands south of the Siwalik Hills were not taken. Since Dang was somewhat higher, cooler, better-drained and therefore had fewer instances of malaria than most of Inner Terai Valleys of Nepal, it was settled to some extent by Shah and Rana courtiers and other Nepalese. Deukhuri was more of a Tharu enclave until DDT was introduced to control the malaria-bearing Anopheles mosquito in the 1950s.

The municipality was established 29 January 1979 with the amalgamation of Ghorahi VDC and Sewar Bangaun VDC with a combined population of 12,279. It was named Tribhuvannagar Municipality after King Tribhuvan (ruled 1911–1955). After Nepal became a republic in 2008 the name changed back to Ghorahi Municipality.

Local transport in Ghorahi city is by bus or private vehicles. Buses ply frequently on the circular road surrounding the city centre. Heavy local transport can be seen between Ghorahi and its major suburbs which include Tulsipur, Lamahi, Dharna, Narayanpur, and Saudiyar. Like any other growing city, Ghorahi is also expanding with new habitats in the vicinity. Transport services in these areas are also expanding rapidly. Tourist taxis are also an option for out-of-town trips. Locals typically traverse the city on foot. Auto rickshaws are also common as in other cities.

At the time of the 2011 Nepal census, Ghorahi Submetropolitan City had a population of 158,628. Of these, 71.5% spoke Nepali, 23.5% Tharu, 2.2% Kham, 1.0% Magar, 0.7% Hindi, 0.2% Awadhi, 0.2% Maithili, 0.2% Newar, 0.2% Urdu and 0.1% Bhojpuri as their first language.[7]

In terms of ethnicity/caste, 25.5% were Tharu, 23.7% Chhetri, 17.5% Magar, 12.8% Hill Brahmin, 6.5% Kami, 2.9% Damai/Dholi, 2.5% Sanyasi/Dasnami, 2.4% Sarki, 1.4% Newar, 1.2% Thakuri, 0.8% Musalman, 0.5% other Dalit, 0.4% Badi, 0.4% Halwai, 0.3% Gurung, 0.2% Gaine, 0.1% Chamar/Harijan/Ram, 0.1% Gharti/Bhujel, 0.1% Kathabaniyan, 0.1% Kori, 0.1% Kumal 0.1% Tamang, 0.1% other Terai, 0.1% Yadav and 0.1% others.[8]

In terms of religion, 95.9% were Hindu, 1.5% Buddhist, 1.5% Christian, 0.8% Muslim, 0.2% Prakriti and 0.1% others.[9]

In terms of literacy, 73.6% could read and write, 1.9% could only read and 24.5% could neither read nor write.[10]

The literacy rate is 73%. Ghorahi is home to Mahendra Multiple College and Nepal's only Sanskrit university Nepal Sanskrit University lies near Beljhundi. The city is being developed as an educational hub for mid-western Nepal.

Recently, The government of Nepal has decided to establish Rapti Academy of Health Sciences,[11] in line with its decision to establish a state-owned medical college in each province.[12] The proposed health academy in Dang will be the fifth one owned by the government after the Institute of Medicine, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Karnali Academy and BP Koirala Academy. Like in the other four academies for medical education, the prime minister will hold the chancellor's post, while the education minister will be the pro-chancellor.

Some of the notable institutions are

A sub-regional level hospital along with a children's hospital, an eye hospital and regional ayurveda hospital serving the people of Ghorag. An important health service the Rapti Academy of Health Sciences has been established and will be operational soon in Ghorahi. Many other private and community level hospitals are providing 24-hour service to the dwellers of Rapti region there. Many private hospitals and nursing homes are also under construction. It also has many clinics with highly experienced and qualified doctors.

Some of the hospitals include:

More than six different local water management committees are active for the seamless supply of water in the region. An equal number of private water suppliers are also supplying deepwater to selected households in different regions. Recently, water industries are also supplying packaged mineral water in the city.

Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan city has won the title of "Most clean and sanitated city" of Nepal many times. It has managed its sanitation project with a landfill site in its 9th ward; Karautee Danda, with the total area of 95 ha (230 acres). Karaute Danda Sanitary Landfill site, owned by the municipal government and located on the western side of the municipality at a distance of 5.4 km (3.4 mi) from the city centre. Karaute Danda Sanitary Landfill Site – Ghorahi.

The LFS is situated in the vicinity of Ghorahi municipality. Specifically, the LFS is in ward 9, approximately 1 km (0.62 mi) outside the urban area of Ghorahi. The total area of the LFS is 20 ha (49 acres) of which 1 ha (2.5 acres) is used for MSW management and the remaining area is reserved for plantations of various trees and other vegetation. The area used for final disposal has recently been increased within the property. The old site for final disposal now serves as an area for plantation. Moreover, on the property, there is a sorting platform on which a unit of nine employees sorts the MSW into paper and plastics. There is also a storage house where these are stored before further distribution (Khanal et al. 2009).[13] A total of 10 t (9.8 long tons; 11 short tons) of waste is produced in the city on a daily basis. Waste produced in the city is collected through one compactor, one tipper, and some rickshaws. A total of thirty people are involved in sanitary field work. It is one of the five municipalities that have managed their Dumping and Sanitary site in Nepal.

Ghorahi has its proposed industrial site in its number 3 and 5 wards with a possibility of industrial development. Dang Industry Commerce Association has started initiating the industrial development in the district. The Industry Commerce Association has said that there is a consensus for making an industrial zone through continuous discussion with the locals and concerned authorities. The land which will be industrialized lies in numbers 3 and 5 wards of the Sub-Metropolitan city. The area of the land to be industrialized is about 500 bighas.[14] Many cement industries are already in operation. This has minimized quantity of cement imported from India. The cement industries like Ghorahi cement industry and Sonapur cement industry have started their production; a few others are under construction. Ghorahi cement industry is supposed to be the largest cement industry in Nepal. Poultry and Ostrich Farms are also operating in the city. Many small scale and medium scale industries related to poultry are running in this region.

Dal Bhat is a popular cuisine among most of the people in the city. It is eaten twice a day: once after breakfast and at night.

Dal Bhat served in a local restaurant in Ghorahi

Momo, Chowmein, Samosas, and Chaat are famous in the city.

• Newspapers: the people of Ghorahi are served by several daily local newspapers and national newspapers. There are 13 local newspapers in total. Among these are New Yougbodh Daily, Ganatantra Daily, Rapti Post Daily and Gorakshya Daily. National newspapers are also provided to the people on a daily basis. Some of the National newspapers are The Kathmandu Post, Kantipur, Annapurna Post, and the Himalayan Times among others. Several monthly neighborhood papers serve the town.
• Radio: the state-owned Radio Nepal is broadcast on the 98Mhz frequency in the city. Similarly, six private local FM stations are available. They are: Madhyapaschim FM 91.4 MHz; Indreni FM 92.4 MHz; Jharana FM 88 MHz; Radio Pathshala FM 105.8 MHz; Radio Ganatantra Rapti FM 95.1 MHz; Radio Swargadwari FM 102.8 MHz
• Television: Nepal's state-owned television broadcaster, Nepal Television relay station is present near its border, which provides only one free-to-air terrestrial channels. Besides that, a mix of Nepali, Hindi, English, and other international channels are accessible via cable subscription and direct-broadcast satellite services. Ambikeshwori TV and RC Television are local television channels that cover events in the city.
• Internet: Internet facilities are provided by Nepal Telecom, BroadLink, Lumbininet, WorldLink, and Subisu. Nepal Telecom is the leading internet facilities provider. Wi-Fi connectivity is available at many cafes.

• Ambikeshwori Temple: It is one of the famous temples of Western Nepal. Its history is mentioned in the famous Hindu religious book Swosthani.

Nepal Army devoting Fulpati in Ambikeshori Temple Area during Dashain

• Ratnanath Mandir: It lies in the 4th ward of the municipality and is known as Gorakshya Siddha Ratna Nath Mandir. It is one of the historic places of Nepal.
• Barhakune Daha and Baraha Temple: It lies in the 7th ward of the municipality. There is a pond that has twelve corners (angles); hence its name barha kune daha. The Temple of God Bishnu, barah is also an important place for pilgrims in that area, and several temples of Ganesh and Shiva are there. A special fair is organised here during Maghe Sankranti. It is also a tourist spot.

Baraha Temple Area in Dang

• Pandaveshwor Temple: The management committee of Pandaveshwor temple at Dharpani, Dharna-1, has installed a 41 ft (12 m)-long trishula that weighs 6 T (60,000 G). It is considered to be the largest in the world.[15] It is related to the Pandavas of the famous epic Mahabharata. A special fair is organised during Maha Shiv Ratri. A total of a thousand trees were also planted in the region.

• MAINI: There is a place called Maini on the outskirt of the city amidst the lush green forest and sits on the bank of Arjun Khola. This is a hidden gem hangout spot. Chaudhary cottage(अपन डाडुक कटेज) is icing on the cake. One can enjoy a chilled beer and flex his swimming skill in the local khola. Local chicken roast and fish gravy are no match to the best chicken you ever had.

You can catch a bus or hop on your bike to get there. You need to follow Ghorahi Lamahi highway section uptill Beldamar, there is a dirt trail on the east side which goes through the Arjun khola and to the Chaudhary Cottage. One should not miss the pleasant and tranquil experience by not going there.

DISCLAIMER: Chilled beer in Maini is a must for glimpse into a realm of perfect tranquility and bliss.

• Ambapur
• Nama:chu Bouddha Stupa
• Charinge Daha and Bhote Daha
• Sawarikot
• Ghordaura
• Jhinnikot
• Panaura Tharu Cultural Museum
• Martyr Lakhan Thapa Magar Memorial Park : It lies in the centre of the city.
• Netralal Abaghi Memorial Park Gulariya
• Magar Village and Homestay'
• Vulture Restaurant Bijauri
• Jhigaura Sports Stadium

• Ghorahi municipality site ; www.ghorahi.gov.np