Friendship Garden : A Enchanting Journey

Nepal is called the heaven of lands. From the 502 mtr. lower level from the sea shore to 8848 mtr. highest peak of the world is a wonderful combination of climates. One can feel the deference of the climatic versatility in a short geographical distance. The countless Himalayas and many rivers originating from the Himalayas has made Nepal a second richest country in hydropower worldwide. From the tourist viewpoint, Nepal has its own global importance. To add more value on this, 1998 AD was celebrated as "Visit Nepal Year". To enhance the domestic tourism and to establish a tourist center in Makwanpur district, a friendship garden was established at Simbhanjyang on 1stjanuary 1998 ( 2054 Poush 17 BS ) under the leadership of District Development Committee Makwanpur. Simbhanjyang is the highest place of the Makwanpur district. For the management of this garden, a committee has been formed under the Chairmanship of District Development Chairman.

This garden is situated on 2529 mtr altitude from the sea level. Traveling from Hetauda on Tribhuwan Highway , crossing the places named Bhainse, Chuniya, Lamidanda, Aghor which takes nearly 2 hours by the small vehicles, we can arrive to this garden. The garden is located approx. 90 mtr. downside from Simbhanjyang. This garden is being developed as a picnic spot for Nepalese people and foreigners as well. Some of the attractive points about this garden are as follows:

• Many snow capped peaks and Terai landscapes can be seen from this point.
• This garden will be always snow covered from Poush to Falgun each year when it seems very beautiful and enjoyable to play with snow.
• This place provides cool physical and mental relaxation when other places are getting hotter in summer season.
• Various herbal spices of flora and fauna made this place a sensational area of research for Botanists.
• In mid of the Falgun month, jungle area of this place will be covered by red Lali Gurans, the national flower of Nepal.
• A memorial stone exists here, which consists all human right sections declared in the UN charter.
• Garden management committee is considering for providing infrastructure facilities such as electricity, water, picnic shades.

Let us visit once the friendship garden and feel its real magic !!

Kulekhani Hydro Electricity

Indrasarowar (Indra Lake) is a reservoir (cistern) for Kulekhani Hydro Electricity project that produces 92 Megawatt electricity. The reservoir covers the land which was occupied by for about four thousands Ropani cultivated land four hundred fifty houses and fifty corn mills. The reservoir is 7 km long and 100 meters deep. The name “Indrasarowar” has been given after the name of Her Royal Highness Indra Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, whose statue has also been kept there. It is in 21-km southeast from the place called “Kunchhal “ in Tribhuwan highway, which links Hetauda, famous industrial town, to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It is in about one thousand five hundred thirty-meter above the sea level. The minimum water level enough to run two water turbines is 1,480 meter and it takes 30 cm to 50 cm of water in a day to generate electricity. The lake, where water is collected from the rivers and streams in the northern part of Makwanpur district Daman, Palung, Tistung, Chitlang and Markhu is very important for tourism point of view. The main feature of this reservoir is that water can be reserved here when the electricity is not produced. There is no another reservoir of this system in Nepal. The project supplies about one third of electricity of total demand in the country. The contribution of people of 12 village development committee i.e. Daman, Palung, Bajrabarahi, Tistung, Chitlang, Markhu, Kulekhani, Phakhel, Sisneri, Bhimphedi, Nibuwatar and Bhainse, who were displaced by this project is praiseworthy. A five year plan for the protection of Indrasarowar (Indra Lake) is going to be implemented in near future in cost of Yuro Dollar fifteen million by Bagmati Integration Water Management Project in the financial assistant of European Union. Indrasarowar is not only the pride of people of Makwanpur district but also the center of attraction of the country. The biggest artificial lake surrounded by high hill by three side and a big man made dam in one side is very suitable for entertainment by boating. Transportation facilities and small hotels are available there. Especially people gathers there to enjoy boating in summer season. Another attraction is fish farming in the reservoir. Some go there to have nice taste of fish. Indrasarowar has fascinated all with its cool climate and natural beauty. Indrasarowar (Indra Lake) will certainly play important role for Internal Tourism Promotion of Nepal. Source: Bhanubhakta Acharya, Hetauda

The Martyr's Memorial Park

Human civilization history is full of revolution and struggle. Alike in other parts of world, in our country Nepal, Martyrs have contributed their life for the sake of people's freedom and prosperity. Those who invested their life for other's happiness are absolutely great. The word "Martyr" is respectable in itself. Either Bhakti Thapa who fought against the British feudalism; Dasrath Chand, Dharmabhakta, Gangalal and Sukraraj who fought with Rana family rulings; Ratna Kumar Bantawa, Captain Yagya Bahadur Thapa, Durganand Jha etc. who existed their life on deferent struggle all these are great and respectable for Nepal and Nepalese people.Martyr is a history in itself. Human history will be incomplete without referring the contribution of martyrs. Giving honor to martyrs on just ritual basis could not reflect a true honor to them. Internalization of the martyr's thought and materialization of their dreams into practice is the true way of giving honor to them. This is today's real need.Today, we are confining martyrs on political boundaries that could not be perceived a healthy practice. Martyrs are not anyone's personal / group property. So, their contribution should be evaluated irrespective of group politics viewpoint. Internalizing this truth, Hetauda Municipality has tried to establish a Martyr's memorial park including 12 martyr's statues, which is a new type effort in Nepal. However, this is just a small effort and which is very negligible in comparison to the martyr's contribution. Background of the Martyr's Memorial Park The place selected for this park is situated into east-west highway at Hetauda Municipality ward No. 11, 4 km approx. northwest from Hetauda city.Previously, according to religious thought, this area was famous by naming "Punya Kshetra" (Holy Area). Nature and full of natural scenic beauty also bless this area.From the east-west highway, this place is accessible within 5-7 minutes by vehicle and could be there within 10-20 minutes by foot. Nearby the park, an idol of god Laxmi Narayan that is established by Manab Dharma Sewa samittee is famous by name of "Holy Area" which attracts to the religious people. The local people are also using this place as a good picnic spot. In 2047 BS, naming “Martyr’s Memorial Garden” first started this park. Later, Hetauda Municipality targeted to develop this place as a park and a tourist place as well. Many institutions have contributed to develop infrastructure of this park for which Hetauda Municipality is always obliged. It also expects such cooperation from all in future. We have tried our best to provide brief introduction of 12 martyrs whose statute is established in park. However, some important information may be missing here. We apologize for the same. Publisher: Hetauda Municipality The Memorial Monument The main attraction is the carved monument itself. The rock has 12 faces engraved on its three sides. On the south side are: Bhakti Thapa, Shukra Raj Shastri, Dasharath Chandra, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, and Ganga Lal Shrestha. On the east are: Bhim Dutt Panta, Biren Rajbanshi, Yagya Bahadur Thapa, Durgananda Jha and Muneshori Yadav. On the West Side are: Prabhakar Paudel and Ratna Kumar Bantawaa.This engraving of 12 faces in a single rock stands unique in Nepal. The Fountain Park Nepal Tobacco Co. has contributed to set up a park with wooden benches surrounding an artificial fountain. One can rest and have a good view of other attractions from this area. The Tower A two-tier view tower that gives good view of the monument, mini zoo, temple as well as the industrial district of HID, River Rapti and other scenic surrounding was constructed courtesy of Narayani Transportation Workers Association. The Temple Local entrepreneur Ranjendra Singhal has constructed a goddess temple, which now serves in such ceremonies as marriages and rite of passages (Bratavandha), for boys. The Mini Zoo To the north of the monument about 10 katthas of land has been acquired to make a mini zoo. At present there are two Chittals (dears), three Ratuamrigas (red dears), one peacock and about 30 rabbits and other birds and animals in open as well as closed encampments. The Martyr's The rock was brought from the Local River Saraswati. Three students from Fine Arts Campus (Lalit Kala Campus, Bhotahiti) Govinda Chaudhari, Kamlesh Maharjan and Prithvi Shrestha worked for almost a year to engrave 12 faces to complete the main memorial. The martyrs included are: Bhakti Thapa, BS 1802-1872, Deuthal, British Dasharath Chandra, BS 1960-1997, Sobha Bhagwati, Rana Ganga Lal Shrestha, BS 1975-1997, Sobha Bhagwati, Rana Dharma Bhakta Mathema, BS 1965-1997, Siphal, Rana Shukra Raj Shastri, BS 1950-1997, Pachali, Rana Bhim Dutt Panta, BS 1983-2010, Dadeldhura, Transition govt. Durga Nanda Jha, BS 1999-2020, Janakpur, Panchayat Biren Rajbanshi, BS 2001-2029, Sukhani, Panchayat Cpt. Yagya Bahadur Thapa, BS -2035, Okhaldhunga, Panchayat Ratna Kumar Bantawa, BS 2008-2035, Evang, Panchayat Prabhakar Poudel, BS 2021-2036, Hetauda, Panchayat Muneshori Yadav, BS 2001-2046, Yadkuwa, Panchayat

The Martyr's

Bhakti Thapa (1802-1872)	Dashrath Chand (1960-1997)
Bhakti Thapa was the symbol of bravery and courage that was born on 1802 BS. He fought till death against the English army in the historical "Deuthal War". On 1815 BS when he was 70 years, he led Nepalese army team. Though Nepalese team was not equipped with modern weapons like English troop, his courage and bravery is always memorable.	Dasharatbjhh Chand was one of the four Martyrs of 104 years Rana family based ruling who was born on 1960 BS at Baitadi. He was arrested and tortured with blame of making effort to end Rana ruling and establishment of democracy. But he did not confessed on his trust. Thus Ranas shot him dead on 14 Magha 1997 at Shova Bhagabati, Kathmandu.
Gangalal Shrestha (1975-1997 BS)	Dharmabhakta Mathema (1965-1997 BS)
He was born on 1975 BS and when he gave his life for the sake of nation and Democracy against Rana Ruling, he was just of 19 years. Being perceived as a child, Rana rulers proposed to escaper from death by confessing for his doing. But Gangalal did not confessed and became ready to hug death. He also shot dead with Dasharath Chand on same date, it place.	This martyr, son of Aadibhakt Mathema who born in 1965 BS hanged till death by Rana rulers on 12 Magha 1997 at Sifal, Kathmandu.
Sukraraj Shastri (1950-1997 BS)	Ratna Kumar Bantawa (2008-2035 BS)
He was son of a social worker Madhav Raj Shastri. He spent some his time in India and became inspired from the Indian political movement. He came back in Nepal on 1995 BS and engaged in Anti-Rana movement. As a result he hanged till death in Pachali, Kathmandu.	He was born on 2008 BS. He was founder central member of Nepal Communist Party (ML). He was a courageous political fighter who passed on in a battle with police on 2035 Chaitra 27.
Muneswori Yadav (2001-2046 BS)	Biren Rajbansi (2001/2002-2029 BS)
He had taken lead in people's political movement in 2046 BS. In Yedukuha , Dhanusha he injured by police bullet and passed on the way to hospital.	He was born on Jyamirgadhi, Jhapa and has a prestigious image on public locality. He started his political life since 2026 BS. Panchayati rulers shot him dead on 2029 Falgun 21 BS.
Yaga Bahadur Thapa (0000-2035 BS)	Prabhakar Poudel (2021-2036 BS)
Okahldhunga armed movement has its own importance which was conducted to reform the seized democracy in 2017 BS. Martyr Yagya bahadur Thapa was hero of that movement. He was arrested and shot dead by police in 2035 Magh 26 BS.	As a son of Thakurnath Poudel and Dol Kumari Poudel he was born on 2021 B.S. He was just 15 years old when he participated in student's political movement in 2036 BS at Hetauda where he shot dead by police. Students of Hetauda used to celebrate each year as Martyr's day in his memory.
Durga Nanda Jha (1999-2020 BS)	Bhim Dutt Pant (1983-2010 BS)
He was one of the heroes of Janakpur Bomb episode in 2018 BS. He was arrested and jailed at Bhadragol Jail. He hanged till death in jail on 2020 Magh 15BS.	He was a courageous fighter from western part of Nepal who tried to organize a armed force (with army dress). This was basically to protect farmer's rights. During the anti feudalism and anti Delhi treaty movement he was killed by Indian army on 2010 Shrawan 10 BS.

Hetauda, Makwanpur at a Glance

Introduction
This district covers an area of 2426 sq. Km. In the east, west, south and north part of the district, there are Bagmati River, Lother River, Churiya range and Chandragiri hill respectively. This district ranges from 166m to 2584 m from the sea level. The highest part of the district is Simbhanjyang (2584m) whereas the lowest part is Hattidhunga of Rai Gaun. The district is almost triangle shaped, Three types of climate conditions namely sub tropical, tropical and temperate can be found here. Three fourth part of the district is covered with hills where as rest consists of Terai plains.

Physical Facilities

In comparison to other parts of the district, Hetauda is highly developed with the restoration of democracy though the development work has been carried out rapidly, most village of the district have not got their fair share yet. The main problem is health facilities. Although there are many health center and health posts in the villages, people do not get adequate health services due to the absence of health workers. Even people of Hetauda do not receive proper health facilities although the regional hospital is the VDCs are linked with motor road. There is a district post office at Hetauda, which has expanded its services all over the district. Tele-communication service is also satisfactory. Although these have not reached all points of district, the Tele-communication office has provided the service to those area where is possible. It is also studying the possibilities of expanding its service. In addition to those, other facilities such as transport, education, water supply etc. are satisfactory.

Occupation

People are engaged in different occupation to earn their livelihood. Most people are engaged in agriculture. They depend on other areas too. But due to problem of higher education, most of the youth are compelled to be remained unemployed.

Casts and religion

We can find a combination of different castes and religion in this district. Most of the people of the district are Hindus though; there are Muslims, Christians and Buddhists as well. The major caste of the district is "Tamang" about 45.9% of total population. In addition to this, other castes are Brahman, Chhretti, Newar, Gurung, Tharu, Muslim, Magar. Chepang and Rai. Chepang is a rare caste, found only in this district. So, the district development committee Makwanpur has played vital role for their development and stability. Moreover, the district development committee has organized a program of free education system for them because educated Chepang can be counted in hand. Besides this, the government and NGOs have organized some professional programs in their village.

Natural Resources

Of the total land, 67.3% is covered with natural forest. Sal, Saj, Asna, Jamuna, Salla, spices, Katus and Utis are the main vegetation, found in the district. The southern part of the district is covered with sub tropical and tropical forest whereas the northern part is covered with temperate forest. Different herbal plants are also found here such as Rajbriksha, Chirais, Sugadhwal, Tejpat and Timur. One herbal farm is also operated at Hetauda under the authority of government. A British company has started studied about the possibility of petroleum products in this district. It has found some possible places but it has no prepared its final research report yet. The next natural resource of this district is water resource. Using the water of Indra Sarobar Lake, the government has produced electricity and the whole country is dependent on it.

Sites at Hetauda, Makwanpur

Tourist Sites
Although this district has fallen back in attraction tourists, there is many worth place visiting, the most famo20us tourist site is Daman. A vision tower has been constructed there. Many tourists visit here to view the natural scenes of mountain such as Mt. Everest, Kanchanjungha, Markhu and Lhotse. Hetauda Municipality has contributed a lot to promote tourism in the district. It has constructed a Martyrs’ Memorial Park at Hetauda-11 Nawalpur. This park has played vital role to introduce this district with others. Besides there Punya Kshetra, Chisapanigadhi, Mankamana temple, Makwanpurgadhi and Markhu (Indra Sarobar Lake) are also important places from the tourism point of view. The government has recently announced for the construction of tunnel from Hetauda to Kathmandu and Kantirajpath is also under construction. It will also help to promote tourism in the district.

Historical Places
This district has its own historical value. This district has been famous since the Sen Regme. So, there are many historical places in this district. Some of them are Makwanpurgadhi, Shikharkateri (The place where the war between British and Nepalese armies were fought) Chisapanigadhi and Hetauda.

Problem of Districts
There are many problems in this district. Many problems are related with agriculture such as high pressure on agriculture, non profession production, lack of irrigation facility, application of old agriculture techniques lack of agricultural land etc. Another problem is related with education. Higher school is available only in certain part of the district. Moreover when the students complete their diploma level study. They needed to go to another cities for the continuation of their studies. People face transportation problems during rainy seasons. Most of the roads are graveled and during the rainy season. It remains closed. The people are dependent on the government for the solution to these problems.

The Ashok Chaitya

Ashok Chaitya (a Buddhist Cenotaph) is situated in the village so the place is named after Chaitya which later on became familiar as Chitlang. In the western part of Makwanpur district, on the lap of Chandragiri Mountain range, there is a historical village called Chitlang. The historian monument built in the period of Ashoka, the great emperor of India, Ashok Chaitya (a Buddhist Cenotaph) is situated in the village so the place is named after Chaitya which later on became familiar as Chitlang. Recently, more than four hundreds Buddhist Pilgrimages visited the place which helped in raising the public interest of this place. According to the information of an archeologist, Mr. Prakash Darna, the historical facts of the place can't be publicized without the excavation of its internal area. According to him there is a statue of Yakshya couple in the western part of the forum wall. It is 16 feet long and 8 ½ feet wide. It is anticipated that it is an ancient statue. The shape of the Ashok Chaitya is similar to that of Shayambhu Chaitya located in Kathmandu. It is assumed that the dismantling slope towards east and south of the Chaitya may cause damage to it. In front of the Chaitya, there were two stone taps but one of them has been replaced by the construction of house and the other has been resided in with a personal fence. Ancient bricks have been found around the Chaitya as it was excavated. It is believed that there was a monastery and the Buddha pilgrimage used to dwell in it. In the report prepared by well-known historian Mr. Dinesh Raj Panta, it has been claimed to be some stone scripts in the lap of the Chaitya. Had it been explored thoroughly, public would know the unrolled history of it. According to Pandit Bajracharya this Chaitya is metal-stoned monuments. In a book written by former professor Mr. Dipankar Jain, Nalanda University, India, it is said that they had taken their meal in the same place where the Chaitya is situated at their stay in Nepal. The devastating earthquake of 1990 B.S. had damaged the Chaitya and after the renovation, the front position of the statue inside the Chaitya has made faced towards south instead of north. There is high possibility that this Chaitya can be developed into an archeological site and should be protected as national heritage. The concerned authorities must take suitable steps and an extra attention should be paid for its renovation in time or we will have to remorse later. Source : Pratab Bista

Bhutandevi, the Goddess of forest

Every year in the month of April, Bisasaya Puja is organized with hundreds of devotees participating in it. Amongst many famous religious and historical places in Makwanpur district, Bhutandevi Temple, located in the southwest part of Hetauda city is one of them. Every year in the month of April, Bisasaya Puja is organized with hundreds of devotees participating in it. At the very day of the Puja, one hundred and eight pigeons, fifteen he-goats, a she-goat, a pig, a duck, a cock and a buffalo are sacrificed to the deity. There is a custom of sacrificing one hundred and twenty eight animals and birds together. Likewise, on the fourth day of the Puja, seven pairs of pigeons are also sacrificed in the nearby jungle. Hetauda and its name The name of the city, Hetauda is related with the Devil of “Mahabharata” times. In Mahabharata period, this city was known as Hedamb-nagar because a monster named Hidambasur used to live here. According to the epic Mahabharata, the monster, Hidambasur had made a rule that at least a person should come to him to be sacrificed daily. Later on “Bhima” the son of “Pandu” came to this place during his exile in order to free the people from his grip. During this period he fell in love with Hedambasur’s sister, “Hedamba” and later on got married to her. As a result they gave a birth to a male baby, “Ghatotkach”, who became very strong and powerful soldier and killed many “Kauravas” in the battle of “Kurukshetra”. As the time passed the people started calling this place Hedamba and finally this name changed to Hetauda, which is now a famous industrial city of Nepal. By: Rohit Pokharel At the time of BADAHAKIM (the zonal officer appointed by the Rana regime during the Rana period), people used to come from Chisapani fort of Bhimphedi to participate in the Bisasaya Puja. But after the dismissal of BADAHAKIM, the Puja was continued by District Administration Office till 2045 BS on behalf of the Zonal Office. But the Puja was discontinued between 2046 BS to 2053 BS and again with the effort of holy local organization and some religious people, the Puja started from 2054 BS and is still on its way. The name “Bhutandevi” is derived from “Bhatandevi”. The “Bhats” (soldiers) used to worship the deity of “Bandevi” (the goddess of forest) and so she was called “Bhatandevi” (i.e. the goddess of Bhats) and slowly the name was modified to “Bhutandevi” temple, which is now popular in fulfilling the wishes of the devotees. The another remarkable feature of the temple is that the priest of the temple is from the Rai community, while in other regions of Nepal, the priests belong to Brahmin community (the top rated caste classified by the Hindu religion). In relation to the Rai priests (which is very rare in our country) the president of the Construction Committee of Bhutandevi Temple Mr. Purna Bahadur Shrestha says, “The ancestors of the “Rais” had been claiming their rights to worship the deity of goddess Bhutandevi, which is still in practice.” The deity, Bhutandevi is mostly worshipped on Saturdays and during Dashain, (The greatest festival of Hindus that falls in the month of October). In these days the people from Hetauda and its neighboring villages come to worship with the faith of their whishes to be fulfilled. Courtesy: The Rising Nepal

The Temple of Churiyamai

Situated on the lap of Churiya Mountain range, the temple of goddess i.e. Churiyamai is one of such temples, where thousands of devotees come to worship. Either may be an emperor or a beggar there is a custom in our only Hindu country that everyone pray to the god or goddess, bowing their head, wherever they be, for the protection against forthcoming trouble. Situated on the lap of Churiya Mountain range, the temple of goddess i.e. Churiyamai is one of such temples, where thousands of devotees come to worship. According to the legendary, the temple became famous among the people after the construction of Churiya tunnel in 1965 BS. Since the tunnel is in the Churiya Mountain, the name of the temple is derived from the name of mountain getting suffix “Mai” adding on Churiya. The main temple is placed just ahead of the tunnel. But after the construction of the Tribhuvan highway a substitute temple was constructed with an image of the goddess and placed on the left near the highway. The devotees who come there to worship the goddess climb a two minutes narrow street on the hill reach to the main statue. The main devotees are those who are the owner of heavy vehicles and the drivers that run on the dangerous Tribhuvan highway. In the ninth day of Dashain (the greatest festival of Hindus) i.e. Navami, they all come to the temple and sacrifice animals to the goddess and wished for the safety. Thousands of people from the district of Bara, Parsa, Makwanpur, Rautahat and Chitwan gather on the day of Navami so it is very difficult to control the huge crowd. Time to time an accident occurs in the temple. Not only on that day but also around the year number of people especially those who purchase new vehicle go to the temple. The vehicle owners have great faith on the goddess Churiyamai. When anew vehicle is purchased it is firstly offered to the Churiyamai before commencing any business. The main temple to which all devotees pay homage worship and respect, and the tunnel territory should be preserved and developed so as to make it historical as well as beautiful heritage. And it would be a good picnic spot. All people should come hand to hand with active participation to renovate, protect and preserve the highly worshiped temple and honored tunnel that is great historical as well religious belief of Makwanpur district. A little afford has been done to develop it but that is insufficient for protecting it from changing into debris. The time has come to seriously think for preservation of innumerably pilgrim aged temple of goddess and its peacefully calm territory.

The Makwanpur Gadhi Fort

Not only for the strategic purpose but also it was the governing place of the “Sen dynasty”.

As there are many historical monuments in Nepal, which are out of sight of the concerned authority. But the Makwanpur fort is one out of those, which is being strictly taken care by the Nepal army. Having some extra ordinary features, The Makwanpur fort is very famous in the history of Nepal. Not only for the strategic purpose but also it was the governing place of the “Sen dynasty”.

The Makwanpur fort, which lies in about 17 kilometers north from Hetauda is the great achievement of the Sen dynasty. Before the unification of Nepal “The Sen dynasty” ruled over Makwanpur till 1819 B.S. The then ruler of Palpa “Mukunda Sen” divided his huge state into four parts among his four sons and so Makwanpur came under his youngest son “Lohang Sen”.

We can get a glimpse of the ruins of the palace of that period that helps us knowing more about the then sculptures and architectures. The jail for the prisoners and a golden-coated statue of Lord Krishna also force peoples to think back to the history this place. The statue of Lord Krishna, that is 5 feet in height, is one and only statue in Nepal, which is tied by an iron chain. It is said and also believed that Lord Krishna used to wander in the mustard fields of Chitwan, leaving the fort so the people tied him up by the iron chain.

The Makwanpur Fort is a precious wealth of our country as well as of Makwanpur that gives information about the history, religion and culture of ancient Nepal. Hence the concerned authorities should take steps to conserve and protect the historical resource otherwise it will remain as the ruin itself and our successors will not get an opportunity to watch the evidence of the ancient Nepal.

The another king of the same regime “Tula Sen” constructed the Makwanpur Fort during his ruling period. Later on his grand daughter, Indra Kumari was married to King Prithivi Narayan Shah of Gorkha State, who annexed Makwanpur to Gorkha in 1819.

This fort is situated at an altitude of three thousand and five hundred feet above the sea level. The Hetauda-lalitpur, Kanti Highway, which is now under construction, runs through its lap. It is remarkable that we can have a very beautiful and gorgeous sight seeing from a fort made out of stones. We can also get a clear view of Birgunj (gateway of Nepal) and Raxaul (border of India) from the fort.

There are two castles in the fort, one is called the “Mool Gadhi” (the main fort) and other is “Sanno Gadhi” (the small fort). About 35 years ago, there was a palace called “Jungey Darbar”, which had its own supernatural beauty and it was an important belonging of the “Sen Dynasty”. But instead of conserving the historical monument, the later Sen king used the palace (Jungey Darbar) for their personal uses.

Having historical and cultural importance, The Makwanpur Fort is a very precious wealth of Makwanpur district. 25 feet high and 7 feet wide wall surround the fort. There is also a 10 feet deep canal, which was constructed in order to protect themselves from the enemies.

In order to protect the fort, some soldiers are in duty. People are not allowed to take photograph of the statue. On the occasion of Lord Krishna’s birthday (Janmasthami) and Tholo-Ekadashi, a big fare is organized in the fort. People from Hetauda and its neighboring villages go there and enjoy the fare. This place is not only an important historical place but also people from Hetauda and its neighboring places go to the place for picnic. But the sad part of it is that there is a great problem of drinking water.

By: Pratab Bista

Problem of Districts

There are many problems in this district. Many problems are related with agriculture such as high pressure on agriculture, non profession production, lack of irrigation facility, application of old agriculture techniques lack of agricultural land etc. Another problem is related with education. Higher school is available only in certain part of the district. Moreover when the students complete their diploma level study. They needed to go to another cities for the continuation of their studies. People face transportation problems during rainy seasons. Most of the roads are graveled and during the rainy season. It remains closed. The people are dependent on the government for the solution to these problems.

Historical Places

This district has its own historical value. This district has been famous since the Sen Regme. So, there are many historical places in this district. Some of them are Makwanpurgadhi, Shikharkateri (The place where the war between British and Nepalese armies were fought) Chisapanigadhi and Hetauda.

Tourist Sites

Although this district has fallen back in attraction tourists, there is many worth place visiting, the most famo20us tourist site is Daman. A vision tower has been constructed there. Many tourists visit here to view the natural scenes of mountain such as Mt. Everest, Kanchanjungha, Markhu and Lhotse. Hetauda Municipality has contributed a lot to promote tourism in the district. It has constructed a Martyrs’ Memorial Park at Hetauda-11 Nawalpur. This park has played vital role to introduce this district with others. Besides there Punya Kshetra, Chisapanigadhi, Mankamana temple, Makwanpurgadhi and Markhu (Indra Sarobar Lake) are also important places from the tourism point of view. The government has recently announced for the construction of tunnel from Hetauda to Kathmandu and Kantirajpath is also under construction. It will also help to promote tourism in the district.