Madhesh Province

Southern Development Region | Capital: Janakpur

Madhesh Province (मधेस प्रदेश)

Land of Plains and Rich Cultural Heritage

Geography

Area & Location

9,661 km² (3,730 sq mi), making it the smallest province. It lies entirely in the Terai plains bordering India to the south.

Topography

Entirely flat Terai land with fertile alluvial soil. Major rivers include Koshi, Bagmati, Kamala, and Rapti.

Climate

Subtropical climate with hot summers (up to 45°C) and mild winters. Receives about 1,500-2,000 mm annual rainfall.

Red line indicates the border of the province.

Districts

8 Districts of Madhesh Province:

  • Saptari
  • Siraha
  • Dhanusha
  • Mahottari
  • Sarlahi
  • Bara
  • Parsa
  • Rautahat

District Highlights

Dhanusha

Home to Janaki Temple (Janakpur), an important Hindu pilgrimage site believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita.

Bara

Known for Simara Airport and industrial areas. Hosts major factories including the country's cement and steel industries.

Saptari

Contains Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, important for bird watching with over 485 bird species and home to Nepal's last surviving wild buffalos.

Culture & People

Madhesi

Indigenous inhabitants of the Terai plains with distinct cultural identity and traditions tied to both Nepal and Northern Indian culture.

Tharu

Indigenous group of the Terai with unique traditions, colorful festivals, and distinctive housing style with mud walls and thatched roofs.

Yadav/Teli/Muslim

Significant communities with diverse religious and cultural practices. Known for their contributions to agriculture and trade.

Maithili

Primary language of the province (approx. 45%), especially in Dhanusha and Mahottari, with a rich literary tradition.

Bhojpuri

Spoken in western districts (approx. 18%), particularly in Bara and Parsa. Known for its rich folk songs.

Nepali

Official language of Nepal used in government and education (approx. 12%).

Chhath

Major festival dedicated to the Sun God. Celebrated for four days with rituals performed near rivers and water bodies.

Holi

Festival of colors celebrated with enthusiasm. People throw colored powders and water at each other to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Jur Sital

Tharu New Year celebration with traditional dancing, singing, and feasting that lasts for several days.

Tourism Highlights

Janaki Temple

Janaki Temple

Built in 1911, this stunning white marble temple in Janakpur is dedicated to Goddess Sita (Janaki). Its unique architectural blend of Rajput and Mughal styles makes it one of Nepal's most beautiful temples.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Nepal's smallest wildlife reserve (175 km²) is a wetland of international importance and a bird watcher's paradise with 485 recorded species. Home to the last remaining population of wild water buffalo.

Gajendra Narayan Singh

Gajendra Narayan Singh Industrial Area

One of Nepal's largest industrial zones located in Rajbiraj, Saptari district. Showcases the province's economic development with various manufacturing industries.

Economy

Agriculture

Known as the "Granary of Nepal" producing rice, wheat, sugarcane, jute, and vegetables. The fertile Terai plains support year-round farming with extensive irrigation systems.

Industry

Major industrial hubs in Birgunj and Simara with sugar mills, jute factories, and cement plants. Birgunj-Pathlaiya corridor is Nepal's primary industrial belt.

Trade

Shares an open border with India through multiple checkpoints including Birgunj (largest), Biratnagar, and Jaleshwor, facilitating cross-border trade that contributes significantly to Nepal's economy.

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