Dharan is one of the major city, one of three Sub
Metropolitan cities in eastern Nepal, in the Sunsari District, and is situated
on the foothills of the Mahabharat Range in the north with its southern tip
touching the edge of the Terairegion at an altitude of 1148 ft (349m). It
serves as a trading post between the hilly region and the plains of Terai
region. It was once the location of a recruitment center for the Brigade of
Gurkhas, opened in 1953. The recruitment center is closed and the campus is now
the home of B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences since 1993. Dharan
Sub-metropolitan city organised a Golden Jubilee celebration of Dharan from
January 28 to January 31, 2011 marking the 50th year of establishment of the
municipality . It is the second largest city of Eastern Nepal. Also called
footballer producing factory of Nepal.
The name Dharan is Nepali, which literally means a place
where you saw timber. A typical Dharan is constructed by digging a rectangular
plot about 5 to 6 feet deep. This hole is large and deep enough for an adult to
comfortably move about. A platform is constructed to cover half the hole. A
timber is placed on this platform and two man team, one standing on the
platform and the other in the dug out proceed to saw timber with a huge saw
blade. This is very labor-intensive and dangerous process.
Dharan is a melting pot of many cultures, representing a mix
of diverse cultures of Nepal. There are many people from the surrounding
district, Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum, Ilam, Panchthar, Dhankuta, Bhojpur,
Taplegung Khotang etc., who live in Dharan.
Different ethnic groups host their traditional cultural
festivities all year around. The Dhan naach (Dance) and Chyabrung naach (Dance)
of Limbus, Lakhe naach (Dance) and Gai Jatra of Newars, Sakela of Rai, Selo of
Tamangs, Rodighar of Gurungs, Baalan and Sangini of Brahmin and Chhetris, all
add to the cultural tradition of Dharan. Dharan also hosts a Sakela competition
in Dharan every year. It starts from the Baisakh Sukla Purnima (Full moon of day
of the month of Baisakh) and lasts for 15 days.
Dharan is a tourist destination in its own right.
Communication is mainly in Nepali and English. People who are English speakers
should have no problem comprehending many signs and road maps in Nepal.
Beyond Bhedetar lies the eastern hilly district such as
Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Phidim, Terathum. Dharan serves as a gateway to some of the
remote tourist attractions like Kumbhakarna Himal, Kanchenjunga, Makalu Barun
National Park, Arun Valley, Tinjure-Milke (Rhododendron Protection Area), Gupha
Lake, Hyatrung Fall, and Sabha Pokhari. They are quite further and therefore
require extended day trips.
To the south of Dharan is the city of Biratnagar and
connecting towns, all within an hour's drive. Bhanuchowk is also known as the
heart of Dharan. The towns of Tararah andItahari are popular with the local
population of Dharan.
Dharan, with its diverse population has numerous centers of
worship i.e. temples, churches and a mosque. Bijaypur hill is of a particular
significance, as it has several temples of importance, such as Dantakali
temple, Pindeshwar temple, Budha Subba Temple and Panch Kanya. These temples
are of historical and archaeological importance in as much as religious. These
temples are centers for rituals, fairs and events.
In recent years the close proximity of the Tamur River has
made Dharan a destination for the white water rafting enthusiasts, Which is
start from Mulghat of Dhankuta district and finish in Chatara Ghat.
