Hubbry Logo
LahanLahanMain
Open search
Lahan
Community hub
Lahan
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Lahan
Lahan
Lahan
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Lahan (लहान) is a municipality in the Siraha district of Madhesh, Nepal. Lahan is the 36th densest municipality in the country, with a population of 102,031 spread out across 24 wards, the most wards of any Nepalese municipality. It is connected by the east-west highway. It is located nearly 261 km east of the capital, Kathmandu via B.P. highway and E-W Highway and 424 km east via Narayanghat-Mugling Highway. Lahan is located at the latitude of 26.717 and longitude of 86.483. It is at an elevation of 111 meters above sea level. It follows the Nepali time zone, UTC Offset: +05:45 hours.

Key Information

Laukaha in India and the nearby town of Thadi which is 18 km south of Lahan in Nepal are a part of one of the agreed routes for mutual trade between India and Nepal. Lahan connects Thadi to the rest of Nepal.[2] Nepal The Government of Nepal has set up a dedicated customs office in the town.[3] and Government of India has set up a Land Customs Station with a Superintendent level officer.[4] So, in simple import and export are allowed in this location.

The population has increased gradually due to urbanization [5] This city has become a market hub in the eastern part of Madhesh.[1] Many people come from Udaypur for sales and shopping as well.

Health

[edit]

The Lahan municipality has good health facilities with proper medical equipment in number a of hospitals

1. Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, a non-profit eye hospital serving residents of Eastern Nepal and neighboring districts of India. A lot of people visit the town for eye and related treatment from Indian border districts of Supaul; Saharsa; Darbhanga and Madhubani via the Thadi border.

2. Provincial Hospital Lahan, is a government hospital of Madhesh province located in the Hospital chowk of Lahan which have good team of Doctors and staff with very good facilities of medical Lab.

3. Lahan Advance Hospital

4. Saptarishi Hospital - Lahan

Education

[edit]

Lahan City is the educational hub of Madhesh Province, Nepal. Known for its numerous schools, colleges, and institutions. It attracts students from various districts, offering quality education and academic opportunities. The city's growing educational infrastructure has made it a center for learning and development.

Campus

[edit]

1. Lahan Technical School - CTEVT (लहान प्राविधिक शिक्षालय ), Popular technical school in Madhesh Province for sub engineering, Agricultural, Ophthalmic diploma.[6]

2. J. S. Murarka Multiple Campus, One of the known non technical campus in Madhesh Province for Bachelor(BA, B.Sc, BICTE, B.Ed, BBS, BSW) and Master(MA, M.Ed, MBS) degrees.[7]

3. Royal Softech College [8]

4. Everest College [9]

Schools

[edit]

1. Little Star English Secondary School, One of the well known school in Madhesh province[10]

2. Apollo Om Secondary School, One of the know school in Lahan [11]

3. Lahan Merry Children Academy Secondary School.[12]

4. Lahan Paragon Public School.

5.Lotus Secondary English Boarding School.

6.Baby Angel Secondary School Lahan

7.SOS, School of Scholars, Lahan

Transportation

[edit]

Airport

[edit]

Rajbiraj Airport is the nearest airport 43.1 km away from Lahan where daily 1 flight from Rajbiraj to the capital city Kathmandu is operated with the flight time of 35 minutes.[13][14]

Railways

[edit]

The city is also connected to Laukaha Bazar railway station which is located in nearby Indian town of Laukaha, 18 km south via Nepali town of Thadi which is one of the main entry and exit point for people of Nepal and India. The 268 km (167 mi) long Jainagar-Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj line and Sakri-Laukaha Bazar-Nirmali line were converted from metre to broad gauge in 2011–2012.[15]

Demographics

[edit]

According to the latest cencus 2021 data, Lahan Municipality has a total population of 91,766. The five largest caste and ethnic groups represent a combined 53.25% of the population.[16] These groups are:

Tharu – 15,660 (17.06%)

Yadav– 10,648 (11.61%)

Kushwaha – 7,795 (8.49%)

Muslim – 7,382 (8.04%)

Musahar – 7,380 (8.04%)

These five communities together account for 48,865 individuals in the municipality.

Ethnic/Caste Composition Pie Chart

[edit]
Major Ethnic/Caste Groups in Lahan Municipality
  1. Tharu (17.1%)
  2. Yadav (11.6%)
  3. Kushwaha (8.49%)
  4. Muslim (8.04%)
  5. Musahar (8.04%)
  6. Others (46.8%)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lahan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lahan (Nepali: लहान) is a and commercial town in of , southeastern , situated in the lowlands along the . With a of 102,031 as of the 2021 , it ranks as the 36th most densely populated in and features 24 wards, the highest number among any such administrative unit in the country. Lahan functions as a key economic hub in the region, driven by trade, agriculture—including crops like , , and —and emerging services such as healthcare . Its growth from a small agrarian settlement was catalyzed by traders establishing markets over the past two decades, transforming it into a bustling center for wholesale and retail commerce. A defining feature is the Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, a high-volume, non-profit facility providing affordable eye care to underserved populations across eastern and beyond, conducting thousands of surgeries annually. The town also hosts natural attractions like the Hattidah , contributing to local , though its primary significance lies in regional connectivity and economic activity rather than major historical or cultural landmarks.

History

Pre-20th Century Development

The territory of present-day Lahan lay within the ancient Videha kingdom, part of the broader Mithila region in the eastern Terai plains, where settlements emerged amid Vedic-era migrations of Indo-Aryan groups from around 1500 BCE onward. These early inhabitants practiced subsistence agriculture in flood-prone lowlands, supplemented by pastoralism, as evidenced by textual references in epics like the Ramayana associating the area with kingdoms ruled by figures such as Janaka, though direct archaeological ties to Lahan remain limited due to dense vegetation and later alluvial deposits obscuring older sites. By the medieval period, under influences from the Karnata dynasty's Simraongarh kingdom established in 1097 CE, the Siraha area—including proto-Lahan settlements—saw fortified villages amid ongoing Muslim incursions from the , fostering a mix of Maithil Hindu and indigenous ethnic groups reliant on cultivation and riverine . Lahan's pre-20th century identity centered on of Salhesh, a legendary Dusadh ruler dated variably to the 7th-8th century CE or earlier in oral traditions, portrayed as a just leader combating hierarchies and natural calamities in the Mahisoath sub-region. Local sites like Salhesh Sagar pond and Fulbari garden, linked to his exploits in promoting and agrarian prosperity, served as ritual centers for snake veneration and annual gatherings, reflecting the area's role as a cultural node for marginalized Terai communities before formalized administration. These traditions, preserved through folk dramas and fairs, highlight endogenous development driven by networks rather than centralized , with sparse historical records attributing minimal urban growth until later migrations.

Establishment as a Municipality

Lahan was initially established as Lahan in 2032 BS (1975–1976 AD) through the merger of Lahan Bazaar, Lahan Goth, Sigarahi, and Matiarwa villages, marking its transition from a small trading settlement to a formal urban administrative unit along the . This formation reflected early efforts to organize growing commercial activities in , driven by trade in cloth and agricultural goods serving travelers from hilly regions. In 2073 BS, as part of Nepal's nationwide local government restructuring under the 2015, Lahan was upgraded and expanded into a full on Falgun 23 (corresponding to March 2017 AD), incorporating the existing Lahan along with Gadha and Govindpur Malhaniya Village Development Committees (VDCs). This restructuring increased its administrative scope to 24 wards and an area of 167.17 square kilometers, aligning with the federal system's creation of 753 local units to enhance and service delivery in urbanizing areas. The process followed the Local Level Restructuring Commission's recommendations, which aimed to consolidate fragmented VDCs into viable municipalities based on , economic viability, and .

Involvement in Madhesh Movements and Ethnic Conflicts

The first Madhesh Movement erupted on January 19, 2007, in Lahan, , when 16-year-old student Ramesh Mahato was fatally shot by Maoist cadres during a protest against the newly promulgated , which Madhesis viewed as perpetuating Pahadi dominance in and policies. Mahato, a Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) activist, was participating in a transportation strike called by the MJF to demand , a federal structure inclusive of Madhesi identity, and amendments to discriminatory citizenship laws; Maoists, aligned with hill-origin interests, attempted to defy the strike, leading to clashes that killed Mahato and ignited region-wide unrest. This Lahan incident marked the first martyrdom in the movement, triggering protests across the that resulted in at least 54 deaths, including eight in eastern Madhesh starting from Lahan, amid ethnic tensions between Madhesis—predominantly Indo-Aryan plains dwellers—and Pahadi groups, exacerbated by Maoist efforts to suppress Madhesi mobilization. Curfews were imposed in Lahan and surrounding areas from January 20, 2007, as violence escalated, with MJF cadres clashing against Maoist enforcers and , highlighting underlying grievances over economic marginalization, cultural discrimination, and underrepresentation of Madhesis in state institutions despite comprising over 50% of Nepal's . Lahan's strategic location along the East-West Highway amplified its role as a flashpoint, where ethnic conflicts intertwined with broader Madhesh demands for autonomy; subsequent phases of the movement in 2008 and 2015 saw renewed protests in the district, though less violently centered in Lahan, focusing on constitutional delineations that Madhesis argued fragmented their demographic strongholds to dilute voting power against hill migrants. By 2008, Lahan witnessed sporadic bomb blasts and inter-group skirmishes, contributing to over 40 Tarai-origin deaths in that year's unrest, as Madhesi parties like the MJF pushed for state restructuring amid accusations of Pahadi bias in security responses. These events underscored causal links between ethnic identity politics and Nepal's federal transition, with Lahan exemplifying how local protests catalyzed national discourse on proportional inclusion, though implementation remained contested due to entrenched elite resistance from hill-dominated parties.

Geography

Location and Physical Features


Lahan Municipality is situated in Siraha District, Madhesh Province, in the southeastern part of Nepal, within the Terai lowlands. It lies at approximately 26°43′N latitude and 86°29′E longitude, about 350 kilometers east of Kathmandu and roughly 18 kilometers north of the Nepal-India border near the state of Bihar. The municipality borders India to the south and is connected by the Mahendra Highway, Nepal's primary east-west arterial road, which traverses its center. The physical elevation of Lahan averages 111 meters above , placing it in the flat expanse of the Indo-Gangetic Plain's northern extension. Its terrain consists of level alluvial plains typical of the region, with fertile, sediment-rich soils deposited by ancient river systems, supporting intensive agriculture. The landscape features minimal topographic variation, lacking significant hills or elevations, and is intersected by seasonal rivers such as the Balan River and Khutti Khola, which contribute to periodic flooding risks but also irrigate farmlands. Covering an area of 167.17 square kilometers, the municipality's geography facilitates road connectivity and urban expansion along the highway corridor.

Climate and Environmental Risks

Lahan experiences a (Köppen classification Cwa), marked by hot summers, mild winters, and a pronounced season. high temperatures peak at 38.2°C in May during the pre-monsoon period, while , the coolest month, sees lows of 11.1°C. is concentrated in the June-to- , with averaging 253 mm of rainfall over 25.8 days, contributing to an annual total of approximately 1,344 mm across 141 rainy days. levels reach 74% in , and winds occasionally gust up to 17 km/h in May. The primary environmental risk in Lahan stems from recurrent flooding, driven by overflow from nearby rivers including the Kamala, Balan, and Mainabari, which inundate flat lowlands during intensified monsoon rains. , encompassing Lahan, has recorded major flood events in 2002 (affecting 34 village development committees and 18,729 people), 2004 (70 VDCs, 57,289 affected), and 2007 (81 VDCs, 570,379 impacted), resulting in widespread destruction of homes, crops, , and such as irrigation canals and bridges. In 2019, floods demolished 4,005 houses in Siraha, displacing 7,771 households and exacerbating food insecurity through loss of cultivable land. Lahan itself is classified as a high-risk area, with vulnerable populations including landless farmers, smallholders, women, and children facing heightened exposure due to inadequate embankments and early warning systems. Climate change amplifies these flood risks through wetter monsoons and shifting rainfall patterns, alongside drier conditions in the pre-monsoon and winter seasons that foster droughts—particularly to March—impairing rain-fed and across 21,003 hectares of irrigated land in the district. Seismic hazards persist due to Nepal's location on the Indian-Eurasian plate boundary, though areas like Lahan experience lower intensity than upland regions; structural vulnerabilities in buildings compound potential damage. These factors collectively threaten , which dominates the local economy, with observed increases in flood frequency noted by residents in Siraha and contributing to migration and livelihood disruptions.

Demographics

According to the , Lahan Municipality had a of 91,766, which grew to 102,031 by the 2021 census, representing an increase of 11.2% over the decade or an average annual growth rate of about 1.07%. This modest growth rate is below Nepal's national average of 0.92% for the same period, potentially influenced by out-migration for employment and limited natural increase in the region. The 2021 census recorded a of 610 persons per square kilometer across the municipality's 167.2 km² area, indicating moderate urbanization pressure compared to rural standards. The sex ratio stood at 98.26 males per 100 females, with males comprising 49.6% (50,567 individuals) and females 50.4% (51,464 individuals) of the total, reflecting a near balance typical of settled communities. Age composition in 2021 showed a youthful demographic structure, with 29.2% (29,815 persons) aged 0-14 years, 64.6% (65,868 persons) in the working-age group of 15-64 years, and 6.2% (6,348 persons) aged 65 and older, underscoring a supportive of labor-intensive and emerging commerce. The contained 20,577 households, with an average household size of approximately 4.96 persons. stood at 69.2% overall, higher among males (78.5%) than females (60.2%), highlighting persistent disparities in access despite infrastructural improvements.
Demographic Indicator2011 Census2021 Census
Total Population91,766102,031
Annual Growth Rate (approx.)-1.07%
Population Density (per km²)-610
Households-20,577
Literacy Rate-69.2%

Ethnic and Caste Dynamics

Lahan Municipality, situated in the plains of , features a multi-ethnic and multi-caste population reflective of broader demographics, dominated by Indo-Aryan Madheshi castes, indigenous groups, , and smaller hill-origin communities. The 2021 National Population and Housing Census recorded 's total population at 739,953, with Yadavs forming the largest /ethnic group at 181,593 individuals (24.5%), followed by significant shares of (approximately 8.1%), Musahars (6.4%), and Kushwahas (6.0%). groups such as Chamars, Dusadhs, and Musahars, alongside indigenous Tharus, constitute notable minorities, often concentrated in rural fringes or urban margins of municipalities like Lahan. Caste hierarchies persist in , with upper and middle castes (e.g., , Brahmins) exerting influence over land ownership, , and business, while encounter barriers in , commensality, and public resource access. An ethnographic analysis of Tudkiya Lalpur VDC in documented 11 castes—including upper-tier Hajam and , artisan and Kalwar, and Dusadh, , and Dom—revealing rigid and hierarchical rituals that limit , though fosters minimal cross-caste cooperation in and . These dynamics mirror Nepal's entrenched varna system, adapted to contexts, where Madheshi identity intersects with to fuel regional assertions against perceived Pahadi (hill) dominance, as seen in historical Madhesh movements originating near Lahan. Despite constitutional bans on since 2007 and quotas, caste-based exclusion endures, evidenced by a March 2025 Siraha incident where a family was relegated to riverside habitation due to community prejudice against shared housing with higher castes. Studies indicate partial declines in overt practices like ritual pollution but persistent subtle and employment, particularly affecting and indigenous women in urbanizing areas like Lahan. Ethnic tensions occasionally flare along lines during resource disputes or elections, underscoring the interplay of with Madheshi ethno-linguistic identity in local .

Economy

Agricultural Base and Commercial Growth

Lahan's agricultural sector forms the foundation of its economy, with farming engaging over 80% of Siraha District's population, including much of Lahan Municipality's residents. The fertile alluvial soils of the plains support cultivation of staple crops such as paddy, , , pulses, oilseeds, , and fruits, bolstered by from local rivers and the season. Approximately 61.5% of the municipality's land area is dedicated to , enabling significant production that sustains needs and supplies regional markets. Commercial activities have expanded alongside , positioning Lahan as a key trade and market center in . The municipality hosts bustling wholesale and retail markets dealing in agricultural produce, textiles, and manufactured goods, with agro-based industries and small-scale enterprises like vegetable processing, , and contributing to economic diversification under local clusters. Its connectivity via the facilitates efficient transport of goods, enhancing market access and driving growth as the third-largest commercial hub in the province after and . This integration of and has fueled Lahan's rapid and economic vitality, with flat terrain and improved attracting and services. Local initiatives promote value-added activities such as fruit nurseries, tailoring, and , though challenges like seasonal flooding and market fluctuations persist. As of 2025, these sectors underscore Lahan's role as a burgeoning economic node in eastern Nepal's region.

Employment Patterns and Migration

Employment in Lahan and surrounding remains predominantly informal and agriculture-based, with the majority of workers engaged as daily wage laborers in crop cultivation, particularly , , and under systems like adhiya (50:50 split with landowners). Over 30% of households in vulnerable communities rent land for farming, while seasonal labor availability peaks from to but shortages occur during harvest periods, leading to . Non-agricultural jobs are limited to , brick kilns, rickshaw pulling, and petty , comprising less than 5% of opportunities for low-skilled workers, reflecting the district's 6.3% out-migration rate tied to insufficient local absorption of the annual influx of job seekers. Labor migration from Lahan and Siraha constitutes a primary outlet, with the district ranking among Nepal's top origins for migrant workers, issuing permits for destinations like , , UAE, and for semi-skilled and unskilled roles. Approximately 80,000 residents from Siraha and adjacent Saptari migrate seasonally to , especially , for agricultural work during off-seasons, driven by , erratic rainfall, flooding, and declines that exacerbate local income shortfalls. In sampled rural areas like Naraha near Lahan, 38% of adult males have migrated, with 60% heading abroad or to Indian states, often funding household expenses and like homes upon return, though high migration costs lead to from informal lenders.

Government and Politics

Administrative Structure

Lahan Municipality operates under Nepal's federal framework, divided into 24 wards that function as the primary subunits for grassroots administration, service delivery, and community representation. Each ward elects a chairperson and members responsible for local planning, , and implementing municipal policies within their . The municipal executive is composed of the directly elected , , all 24 ward chairpersons, and five women members selected from ward representatives to ensure gender balance and inclusive decision-making. The holds executive authority over formulation, approval, and intergovernmental coordination, while the focuses on development planning, oversight, and judicial committees for minor disputes. This structure aligns with provisions in Nepal's Operation Act, 2017, which empowers municipalities to adapt their internal organization for efficient governance. As of the 2022 local elections (2079 BS), Mahesh Prasad Chaudhary of the serves as , having secured victory with 20,105 votes, and Ram Chalitar Mahato as deputy mayor. A , appointed by the federal government, manages operational sections including finance, engineering, and public services, supporting the elected body. Complementing municipal administration, Lahan hosts an Area Administration Office under the Ministry of Home Affairs, handling district-level functions such as registration, land revenue, and coordination with security forces, with sections led by officers like nayab subbas for and local maintenance.

Political Events and Governance Challenges

Lahan has been a focal point for ethnic and political tensions in Nepal's region, particularly during the 2007 Madhesh movement, which erupted after the killing of Madhesi activist Parsuram Chaudhary by Maoist cadres on January 20, 2007, in the city. This incident triggered widespread protests against perceived Pahadi dominance, leading to violent clashes in Lahan between Madhesi groups and Maoist supporters, including attempts by Maoist leader Ram Karki to disrupt strikes organized by the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum Nepal (MJFN). The unrest contributed to over 50 deaths across the , with Lahan experiencing curfews, arson, and police firings that exacerbated communal divides between Madhesis and other groups. Following Nepal's transition to , Lahan's local governance has centered on municipal elections. In the 2017 local elections, CPN-UML candidate Muni Sah secured the mayoral position with 11,307 votes, defeating Nepali Congress's Achamitlal Chaudhary who received 9,138 votes. Vote counting was disrupted multiple times due to demands for recounts by losing candidates, highlighting procedural disputes. By 2022, Mahesh Prasad Chaudhary was elected mayor, reflecting shifts in local political alliances amid national UML gains in . Governance challenges in Lahan persist, including allegations of partisan resource allocation. During Muni Sah's tenure, budgets were reportedly disbursed discriminatorily to wards aligned with UML, sidelining opposition-controlled areas and fostering inter-party resentment. Such practices mirror broader issues of ethnic marginalization and weak institutional accountability, where Madhesi-majority councils struggle with equitable service delivery amid historical grievances from the 2007 violence. Efforts to promote non-violent , including youth training programs, have aimed to mitigate recurring tensions, though structural and political patronage continue to undermine effective administration.

Infrastructure and Services

Transportation Networks

Lahan's transportation infrastructure relies predominantly on road networks, with the East-West Highway (also known as or National Highway 01) serving as the primary artery passing directly through the municipality. This 1,028-kilometer route connects Lahan eastward to near the Indian border and westward across the plains, enabling freight and passenger movement to key economic hubs. The highway's integration into Nepal's Strategic Road Network supports regional trade, with upgrades like the SASEC Highway Improvement Project enhancing sections through , including near Lahan Bazar, to reduce travel times and improve safety for over 90% of Nepal's road-dependent goods and passenger transport. Public bus services operate frequently along the East-West Highway from Lahan to destinations such as (approximately 370 kilometers north via connecting roads like the ) and nearby district centers, providing affordable connectivity for residents and migrants. Local roads feeder into the highway, linking rural areas of , though seasonal flooding in the can disrupt unpaved sections. has initiated inter-provincial road expansion projects starting from Lahan to bolster east-west linkages within the . No operational airport or railway station exists within Lahan itself; the nearest airports are in (about 80 kilometers west) or (around 100 kilometers east), while rail services remain limited to the narrow-gauge line terminating at . Ongoing national efforts focus on highway widening and maintenance, such as the Nadaha section improvements under the Strategic Road Improvement Project, to address bottlenecks and enhance all-weather access amid Nepal's terrain challenges.

Healthcare Facilities

Lahan Municipality in functions as a regional healthcare center in , , with a mix of government, private, and specialized facilities catering to the population and bordering areas. The Provincial Hospital Lahan, a government-operated , offers round-the-clock services, general inpatient and outpatient care, and basic diagnostics for the local populace. Saptarishi Hospital, a private multispecialty facility established around 2006 in Lahan-3, operates with 100 beds and provides comprehensive services including operation theaters, neonatal intensive care units (NICU), wards, outpatient and inpatient departments (OPD/IPD), response, radiology, and laboratory testing. The Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital (SCEH), founded in 1983 in Lahan-3, stands as a prominent 450-bed specialized eye care center under the Eastern Regional Eye Care Programme, delivering high-volume procedures such as surgeries to underserved communities in eastern and nearby . It integrates with the Lahan Eye & Ear Care System (LEECS), which extends services to ear-related treatments through satellite clinics and maintains 24-hour emergency availability alongside routine operations from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Additional facilities include the Lahan Cancer Care Center, focused on treatment, and Lahan Advance Hospital Pvt. Ltd., which features maternity wards, pediatric and NICU units, emergency care, pathology labs, digital X-ray, and ambulance services. Smaller polyclinics, diagnostic centers, and health posts, such as Lahan Swastha Chauki in Ward No. 10, supplement needs across the municipality. A 500-bed dedicated to cardiac and care is under planning in Lahan Municipality-4, aimed at addressing prevalent non-communicable diseases in the region, with consultations led by medical experts as of March 2023. UNICEF-supported programs at local , including child and adolescent health initiatives at Siraha , enhance specialized pediatric services amid broader efforts to bolster maternal and newborn care in . Overall, Lahan's healthcare supports approximately 41 health facilities at various levels within the , though access remains constrained by resource limitations in rural settings.

Educational Institutions

Lahan's educational landscape encompasses primary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions, predominantly private entities affiliated with Nepal's National Examination Board for secondary levels and for higher programs, reflecting the municipality's reliance on external accreditation amid limited local university presence. Public schools coexist with English-medium private alternatives, which emphasize modern curricula to address regional demands for employable skills in , , and migration-driven sectors. Enrollment trends indicate growing preference for private institutions, driven by perceived quality enhancements over government-run facilities, though on literacy and completion rates in , where Lahan is the headquarters, hover around 65% for adults as of recent national surveys. Secondary education features institutions like Little Star English Secondary School, established in 2000 AD (2057 BS) in Lahan-6, offering classes from nursery to grade 12 with a focus on English-language instruction and extracurriculars. School of Scholars (SOS), founded in 2003 AD (2060 BS) in Lahan-8, operates as a Montessori-inspired private secondary school prioritizing holistic development through playgroup to higher secondary levels. Other notable secondary providers include Lahan Paragon Public School, which delivers National Examination Board-aligned curricula up to grade 12, and Laxman Lalita Kuswaha Secondary School, a public option serving local communities. Postsecondary options center on affiliated colleges offering bachelor's and diploma programs. Lahan Everest College, established in 2056 BS (circa 1999 AD), initially provided +2 programs in humanities and management before expanding to Tribhuvan University-affiliated bachelor's and master's degrees in those fields, alongside National Examination Board secondary courses. Lahan Technical School delivers Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training diplomas in , agriculture (plant and animal sciences), and health-related fields, emphasizing practical training for regional vocational needs since its inception as a specialized . Global Multiple College, founded in 2080 BS (2023 AD), targets education as a center for undergraduate . These colleges collectively serve hundreds of students annually, though capacity constraints and faculty qualifications remain challenges in scaling advanced research or specialized sciences.

Society and Culture

Cultural Practices and Festivals

Lahan's cultural landscape reflects its position in the Mithila region, dominated by Maithil Hindu traditions with influences from Tharu and Muslim communities. Residents engage in folk dances such as Jhijhiya, performed by women during Durga Puja to honor the goddess, involving rhythmic movements with sticks and songs praising feminine power. Dhuno-Naach and Domkach, communal dances accompanied by traditional instruments like the madal drum, feature prominently in social gatherings and weddings, preserving oral histories through lyrics in Maithili language. Chhath Puja, a four-day venerating the Sun God and his consort Usha, draws large crowds to water bodies in Lahan, including the decorated Khutti Khola stream and local ponds prepared with floral arrangements and temporary ghats for arghya offerings. Devotees, primarily women, observe nirjala vrat (fast without water) on the third day, offering sweets, bananas, and on trays during dawn and rituals from Kartik Shukla to , typically in late October or early November. This observance underscores agrarian roots, with prayers for bountiful harvests and family prosperity, extending into evening sandhya arghya immersions. Jitiya, observed by mothers fasting for their children's longevity, involves a 24-hour nirjala fast from Ashwin Krishna Ashtami, followed by rituals at riversides with laddus and fruits offered to Jito Mai. In , including Lahan, authorities often relax restrictions to facilitate community participation, highlighting its role in maternal devotion across castes. The Salahesh Fulbari site south of the East-West Highway hosts annual melas commemorating the 14th-century King Salahesh, coinciding with Nepali New Year on Baishakh 1 (mid-April), featuring flower blooms, fairs with local crafts, and performances of ballads recounting his legend. These events blend commerce and reverence, drawing pilgrims to honor the site's historical ties to Maithil epics. Tharu residents mark in mid-January with feasts of pork, fish, and , accompanied by stick dances and community wrestling, symbolizing winter's end and renewal.

Social Issues and Inter-Community Relations

Lahan Municipality exhibits ethnic diversity typical of Nepal's region, with predominant groups including Maithili-speaking Madhesis, Tharus, Yadavs, , Brahmins, and Chhetris, alongside smaller communities such as Chamars and Musahars. This composition reflects broader demographics, where Maithili speakers constitute approximately 84.6% of the population, followed by (Muslim) speakers at 3.42% and Tharus at 3.23%. Hill-origin (Pahadi) groups like Brahmins and Chhetris form a minority but have historically migrated into the area, contributing to inter-community dynamics. Caste-based discrimination persists as a key , particularly affecting communities who face spatial and social segregation. In Lahan, households are disproportionately concentrated in areas lacking basic , with most toilet-less homes belonging to these groups, exacerbating health vulnerabilities and reinforcing exclusion. Such practices stem from entrenched Hindu caste hierarchies, where Dalits encounter barriers to inter-caste marriages, temple access, and shared resources, despite legal prohibitions under Nepal's 2015 Constitution. Local initiatives, such as the Janajati Mahila Chetana Kendra (JMC) founded in 2000 by Dalit journalists, aim to combat this through media awareness campaigns highlighting embedded biases. Inter-community tensions have historically flared along ethnic lines, notably between Madhesi (plain-origin) residents and Pahadi migrants, fueled by resource competition and political marginalization. The 2007 Madhesh Movement saw violent clashes in Lahan, where Maoist attempts to disrupt transportation strikes organized by Madhesi groups led to confrontations, underscoring underlying mistrust and rapid Pahadi out-migration from the Tarai. Religious divides, primarily between and , add layers of complexity, though efforts like GIZ-supported inter-religious dialogues involving local Muslim organizations have sought to build trust since the . Despite these challenges, programs emphasize intercultural dialogue to foster harmony. Organizations like SAMAGRA promote in Siraha, targeting , ethnic, and political divides to strengthen post-conflict relations, while broader initiatives address exclusion through community mediation. Such interventions highlight causal links between historical grievances— including unequal and representation—and ongoing relational strains, though empirical progress remains uneven amid persistent segregation.

Recent Developments

Urban Expansion and Projects

In December 2014, the expanded Lahan Municipality from 10 to 22 wards, substantially increasing its administrative coverage and enabling further urban incorporation of surrounding areas. This restructuring supported population growth and densification, positioning Lahan as Nepal's 36th most densely populated municipality. To address urban expansion demands, Lahan has implemented infrastructure enhancements under the Intensive Urban Development Programme, including integrated urban infrastructure works focused on improved planning and service delivery. Key projects involve road network upgrades, such as the widening of the Kamala-Kanchanpur section of the East-West Highway to four lanes, which accelerated in early following government directives to mitigate material shortages and enhance connectivity. Complementing these efforts, construction of the Lahan overpass—part of the broader Kanchanpur-Kamala road expansion—resumed in October 2025 after a three-month suspension, aiming to alleviate along the vital East-West corridor passing through the city center. These initiatives collectively facilitate economic activity and accommodate Lahan's ongoing in the .

Environmental and Crisis Responses

Lahan Municipality in , situated in Nepal's region, contends with recurrent environmental pressures exacerbated by its flat topography and , including seasonal flooding from rivers like the Kamala and Balan, as well as periodic droughts that deplete and sources. Floods constitute a principal , with flash floods and river overflows posing risks to and , while droughts, as observed in early 2025, have caused wells, ponds, and systems to dry up, severely impacting water availability for over 100,000 residents. Solid waste mismanagement further compounds issues, with municipal collection systems overwhelmed and hospital waste in facilities like Lahan Hospital contributing to and due to improper segregation and disposal practices documented from 2019 to 2020. from urban traffic and markets also exceeds safe thresholds, potentially elevating risks such as in densely populated areas. Crisis responses have relied on a mix of local government initiatives, NGOs, and district-level planning. During the 2025 floods affecting Siraha, organizations such as Helping Heart Nepal delivered emergency aid including food, clean water, shelter materials, and hygiene kits to displaced families, addressing immediate needs amid over 4,000 disaster events nationwide that year. For the August 2025 drought, municipal authorities deployed water supply tanks to distribute potable water, averting acute shortages though reliance on such measures underscores vulnerabilities in sustainable sourcing. The Siraha District Disaster Risk Management Plan prioritizes flood mitigation through early warning systems, embankment reinforcements, and community drills, though implementation faces constraints from limited funding and coordination. Sanitation challenges, including untreated faecal sludge disposal due to the absence of a sewerage system, have prompted partial interventions like improved latrine access for marginalized groups, but broader wastewater treatment lags. Ongoing environmental projects focus on water resilience, with the Project—initiated in 2017 and extending through 2030—enhancing supply via borehole drilling, repairs, and monitoring, increasing daily access by one hour and reaching 60% of urban households with improved quality by 2022. These efforts, supported by and Nepal Water Supply Corporation, aim to buffer against cycles, though solid waste and pollution abatement remain under-addressed at the municipal level. Earthquake risks, while lower in the compared to Himalayan zones, are incorporated into national frameworks, with local preparedness emphasizing retrofitting rather than reconstruction, as no major seismic events have directly struck Lahan since records began.

References

  1. https://lahanmun.gov.np/en/node/32
  2. https://edusanjal.com/local-level/lahan/
  3. https://top-nepal.com/lahan-siraha/
  4. https://www.landnepal.com/details/2013.html/
  5. https://leecs.org/sagarmatha/
  6. https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/hj/article/download/46211/34599/136153
  7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330782809_A_Review_of_Simarongarh%27s_History_on_Its_Nexus_Areas_with_References_of_Archaeological_Evidences
  8. https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/landscape-archaeology-neglected-gardens
  9. https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/king-sahlesh-the-lesser-known-legend-of-mithila-folklore
  10. https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/locals-throng-to-worship-once-a-year-love-blossom
  11. https://theannapurnaexpress.com/story/53466/
  12. https://lahanmun.gov.np/
  13. https://www.susana.org/_resources/documents/default/3-3932-7-1604917930.pdf
  14. https://lahanmun.gov.np/ne/node/32
  15. https://kathmandupost.com/national/2019/01/20/12-years-after-madhes-movement-gains-are-yet-to-be-institutionalised
  16. https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/a-decade-on-madhes-movement-losing-its-achievements
  17. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2008/country-chapters/nepal
  18. https://reliefweb.int/report/nepal/one-conflict-sparks-another-nepal
  19. https://ekantipur.com/en/koseli/2025/09/27/madhesh-movement-of-063-dead-to-mukti-live-to-madhesh-48-50.html
  20. http://madhesh.org/reports/madhes-violence-identity-clash-in-nepal/
  21. https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/madhesh-movement-marks-17-years-struggle-for-rights-continues-despite-established-identity
  22. https://kathmandupost.com/columns/2025/02/09/eighteen-years-of-madhesh-uprising
  23. https://archive.nepalitimes.com/news.php?id=16672
  24. https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/defying-past-lahan-embraces-non-violent-protest-tactics
  25. https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/managing-madhes-a-litmus-test-for-spa
  26. https://brcrn.gov.np/publication/14.CERP_Balan.pdf
  27. https://en.db-city.com/Nepal--Madhesh--Siraha--Lahan
  28. https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/nepal/lahan-climate
  29. https://www.weather2visit.com/asia/nepal/lahan.htm
  30. https://www.fao.org/climatechange/35701-0b68f024b8537fd2ee2de7638e8c7d1b8.pdf
  31. https://reliefweb.int/report/nepal/siraha-flood-victims-complain-discrepancies-relief-distribution
  32. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jfr3.70069
  33. https://www.nepalarchives.com/population-pyramid1-lahan-siraha-2011/
  34. https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/population?province=2&district=16&municipality=1
  35. https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/population
  36. https://citypopulation.de/en/nepal/mun/admin/siraha/1610__lahan/
  37. https://www.lahurnip.org/uploads/resource/file/caste-ethnicity-report-nphc-2021.pdf
  38. https://www.academia.edu/92406422/Inter_Caste_Relationship_in_A_Multi_Ethnic_Village_An_Ethnographic_Study_of_Tudkiya_Lalpur_VDC_Siraha_District
  39. https://www.justice.gov/file/275946/dl?inline=
  40. https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/59323
  41. https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2022/03/18/caste-based-practices-decreased-not-momentum-review-studies-commissioned-fcd/
  42. https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FA58/FA58.pdf
  43. https://nepalog.com/madhesh-province/siraha-district/introduction-of-siraha-district/
  44. https://www.everythinginnepal.com/lahan-a-flourishing-city-in-siraha-district-nepal-1388
  45. https://www.susana.org/downloads?documentID=52993
  46. https://nepalindata.com/media/resources/items/14/bNATURAL_RESOURCE_MARKET_DEMAND_AND_TARGET_GROUP_ANALYSIS_OF_SIRAHA_DISTRICT.pdf
  47. https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/66390
  48. https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ILAB/G11.%2520Nepal_Market%2520Assessment_Haruwa%2520Charuwa.pdf
  49. https://www.developmentaid.org/api/frontend/cms/file/2020/12/Migration-Report-2020-English.pdf
  50. https://cansouthasia.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Migration_Nepal_20_02_2021-1.pdf
  51. https://election.ekantipur.com/pradesh-2/district-siraha/lahan?lng=eng
  52. https://www.nepalarchives.com/map-of-lahan-municipality-siraha-nepal/
  53. https://asiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Diagnostic-Study-of-Local-Governance-in-Federal-Nepal-07112018.pdf
  54. https://lpr.adb.org/sites/default/files/resource/657/nepal-local-governance-act.pdf
  55. https://lahanmun.gov.np/en/content/mahesh-prasad-chaudhary
  56. https://lahanmun.gov.np/en/content/ram-chalitar-mahato
  57. https://aaolahan.moha.gov.np/en/office-layout
  58. https://www.peaceinsight.org/en/articles/reflections-on-a-visit-to-lahan/
  59. https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/vote-counting-resumes-lahan-municipality
  60. https://www.myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/uml-wins-mayoral-posts-in-two-municipalities-of-siraha
  61. https://www.cijnepal.org/lahan-municipality-misuse-authority-upon-possession-majority
  62. https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/36346
  63. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/52097/52097-001-rp-en.pdf
  64. https://events.development.asia/materials/20220425/transportation-infrastructure-nepal-current-and-future-planning
  65. https://www.harshitnepal.com/archives/1905
  66. https://dor.gov.np/uploads/publication/publication_1472984976.pdf
  67. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/333301580577126040/pdf/Environmental-and-Social-Impact-Assessment-Nepal-Strategic-Road-Connectivity-and-Trade-Improvement-Project-P170409.pdf
  68. https://www.facebook.com/provincial.hospital.lahan/
  69. https://saptarishihospital.com.np/
  70. https://saptarishihospital.com.np/contacts/
  71. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9872215/
  72. https://nnjs.org.np/eye-hospital-detail/sagarmatha-choudhary-eye-hospital
  73. https://leecs.org/
  74. https://leecs.org/contact/
  75. https://mapcarta.com/N9801332790
  76. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1317151582300264/
  77. https://nepal-streets.openalfa.com/lahan/health
  78. https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/58531
  79. https://www.unicef.org/nepal/stories/closer-care
  80. https://hopefoundationnepal.org.np/2025/09/20/strengthening-maternal-and-newborn-health-services-smnhs-project/
  81. https://publichealthupdate.com/number-of-health-facilities-in-province-2-nepal/
  82. https://edusanjal.com/school/local_level/lahan/
  83. https://www.collegenp.com/schools-in-siraha
  84. https://www.collegenp.com/school/little-star-english-secondary-school-lahan
  85. https://www.collegenp.com/school/school-of-scholars
  86. https://admissionnepal.com/paragonschoollahan
  87. https://www.collegesnepal.com/lahan-everest-college/
  88. https://plus2.virtualedufairnepal.com/edufair/lahaneverestcollege
  89. https://www.collegesnepal.com/lahan-technical-school/
  90. https://lts.edu.np/
  91. https://globalmultiplecollege.edu.np/
  92. https://edusanjal.com/college/local_level/lahan/
  93. https://english.nepalnews.com/s/travel-tourism/mithila-the-ever-burning-lamp-of-tradition/
  94. https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/chhath-festival-begins-formally
  95. https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/51543
  96. https://radionepalonline.com/en/2023/11/18/367388.html
  97. https://english.nepalnews.com/s/nation/prohibitory-order-in-siraha-relaxed-for-jitiya-festival/
  98. https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/10079
  99. https://washmatters.wateraid.org/blog/reaching-the-unreached-ensuring-dalit-communities-in-nepal-have-decent-toilets
  100. https://www.amnesty.at/media/11812/amnesty-report_no-one-cares_descent-based-discrimination-against-dalits_nepal.pdf
  101. https://www.giz.de/en/downloads/giz-2022-en-dialogue-for-peace.pdf
  102. https://samagra.org.np/project/promoting-intercultural-dialogue-for-peace-in-siraha
  103. https://lahanmun.gov.np/sites/lahanmun.gov.np/files/documents/Narrative%2520Lahan_%2520MUN.pdf
  104. https://www.samriddhnepal.com/assets/img/model/Lahan-Municipality.pdf
  105. https://tenderimpulse.com/government-tenders/nepal/integrated-urban-infrastructure-development-work-in-lahan-municipalitysiraha-for-intensive-urban-development-programme-2121270
  106. https://kathmandupost.com/province-no-2/2025/03/19/kamala-kanchanpur-four-lane-highway-construction-likely-to-face-materials-shortage
  107. https://english.pardafas.com/construction-of-lahan-overpass-resumes-after-three-month-halt/
  108. https://english.khabarhub.com/2025/19/502049/
  109. https://www.myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/citizens-start-getting-water-from-supply-tank-in-drought-hit-lahan-53-42.html
  110. https://www.cen.org.np/uploads/doc/35-lahan-60bc3541578e0.pdf
  111. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378397676_Analysis_of_Solid_Waste_in_Hospitals_of_Lahan_and_Rajbiraj_Municipalities_Madhesh_Province_Nepal
  112. https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/rjmi/article/download/73687/56385/214922
  113. https://helpingheartnepal.org/activity/helping-heart-nepal-leads-swift-flood-relief-in-sunsari-and-siraha-districts
  114. https://washmatters.wateraid.org/sites/g/files/jkxoof256/files/from-source-to-tap-lessons-from-improving-water-supply-in-lahan-nepal_0.pdf
  115. https://jri.org.uk/life-giving-water-for-lahan/
  116. https://washmatters.wateraid.org/sites/g/files/jkxoof256/files/2023-07/Beacon%2520Project%2520outcomes%25202020-2030.pdf
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.