Saharsa, India
Region: Bihar
Geographic Coordinates: 25.880000, 86.600000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 156540
Language: Hindi
Saharsa is a city located in the Indian state of Bihar. It is situated on the banks of the Kosi River, Which is also known as the ‘Sorrow of Bihar’ due to its frequent floods that cause destruction in the region. Saharsa has a rich history that dates back to ancient times and was once an important center for trade and commerce. The city is home to several ancient temples, Including the Kali Mandir, Which is dedicated to Goddess Kali and attracts devotees from all over India.
The Mahishi temple, Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Is another popular religious site in Saharsa. It was built by King Janak during his reign and has been maintained well over time. Apart from religious sites, Saharsa also boasts some beautiful natural attractions like the Baraha Tal Lake and Madanpur Forest Reserve. The Baraha Tal Lake is a serene spot where visitors can enjoy boating or just relax by its tranquil waters while taking in views of surrounding hills.
The Madanpur Forest Reserve offers an opportunity for nature lovers to explore wildlife such as deer, Wild boar, Monkeys among others along with various species of birds found here. The forest reserve also serves as an ideal place for trekking enthusiasts who can indulge themselves amidst lush greenery while enjoying breathtaking views of nature. Saharsa’s cuisine reflects its cultural diversity with influences from neighboring states like West Bengal and Nepal. Some popular dishes include litti chokha (roasted wheat balls served with mashed potatoes), Sattu paratha (flatbread stuffed with roasted gram flour), Mutton curry cooked in mustard oil among others.
In terms of transportation connectivity, Saharsa railway station connects it well with major cities across India including Delhi, Kolkata among others while buses ply regularly between nearby towns making it easily accessible for travelers. Saharsa may not be one of those big tourist destinations but it has its own charm that attracts visitors who are looking for a peaceful and authentic experience. The city’s rich history, Religious sites, Natural attractions and delicious cuisine make it a perfect destination for those who want to explore the lesser-known parts of India.
- Kosi Barrage: It is a dam built on the Kosi River and is one of the largest irrigation projects in Bihar.
- Lord Shiva Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on the banks of the Kosi River.
- Ashok Dham Temple: This temple complex houses several temples dedicated to various Hindu deities.
- Madanpur Fort: It is an ancient fort located in Madanpur village near Saharsa.
- Simri Mai Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and attracts a large number of devotees during Navratri.
- Mahishi Bridge: It is a historic bridge built over the Kosi River by British engineers in 1878.
- Nauka Vihar Park: It is a popular picnic spot located on the banks of the Kosi River and offers boating facilities as well.
- Saurath Sabha Mandapam: It is an open-air pavilion where marriages are solemnized according to Hindu customs and traditions during an annual fair held here every June-July called Saurath Sabha Mela (congregation).
- Saharsa is a district located in the Indian state of Bihar.
- The primary industries and businesses in this area include:
- Agriculture
- Small-scale industries
- Healthcare
- Education
- Tourism
- Handicrafts
- Agriculture is the main industry in Saharsa with a significant portion of the population engaged in farming.
- Major crops grown here include:
- Paddy
- Wheat
- Maize
- Sugarcane
- Vegetables
- Small-scale industries such as:
- Handloom weaving
- Pottery making
- Carpentry work
- Food processing units
- The district has several hospitals and primary health centers providing healthcare services to the local population.
- In terms of education there are many schools offering primary and secondary education along with colleges for higher education.
- Tourism is another important industry for Saharsa with several historical sites such as Kosi Barrage Dam attracting tourists from all over India throughout the year.
- Additionally handicrafts industry is prevalent here which includes different types of handicraft items like bamboo basketry products (Kathi), Madhubani paintings etc.
- Mahatma Gandhi visited Saharsa in 1917 during the Champaran Satyagraha movement.
- Saharsa was a part of the ancient kingdom of Mithila, known for its rich cultural heritage.
- The famous Maithili poet Vidyapati was born in Bisfi village near Saharsa.
- Bhagat Singh, an Indian freedom fighter and revolutionary, stayed in a house in Kosi region of Saharsa district during his underground days.
- Rabri Devi, the first woman Chief Minister of Bihar, hails from Belchi village in Saharsa district.
- Girija Devi, a famous Indian classical singer, was born in Banaili near Saharsa.
- In 2019, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered a rare inscription dating back to the Gupta period (4th-5th century AD) at a temple site in Nauhatta area of Saharsa district.
- Several development projects have been initiated to improve infrastructure and connectivity in the region including construction of bridges over Kosi river and NH-107 expansion project connecting Patna to Purnia via Saharsa.
- The Ashokan Pillar is an ancient monument located in Lauriya Nandangarh town dating back to the 3rd century BC. It is believed to have been erected by Emperor Ashoka to commemorate the site of Buddha’s last sermon.
- The Kosi Barrage is a dam built across the Kosi River in Saharsa district, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside.
- Shri Ram Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Rama, is situated in Saharsa town and serves as a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- The Saharsa Museum houses various artifacts from ancient times, including pottery, coins, sculptures and inscriptions.
- Matsyagandha Temple on the banks of Koshi River is devoted to Goddess Matsyagandha (also known as Satyawati), who was a fisherman’s daughter in Hindu mythology.
- Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary located approximately 70 km from Saharsa boasts an abundance of flora and fauna including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer and many species of birds.
- Saurath Sabha Mandap was once used as a venue for marriage ceremonies among Maithil Brahmins during ancient times and serves as an important historical site today.
- Mahishi State Museum located about 35 km from Saharsa showcases artifacts related to Mahishi state’s history such as coins dating back to Kushana period (1st-3rd century AD).
- Sitamarhi Temple situated about 60 km from Saharsa town on Bihar-Nepal border holds significance in Hindu mythology since it is believed that goddess Sita was born here.
- Nauka Vihar Park offers boating facilities with beautiful views of Kosi river making it an ideal destination for tourists visiting Saharsa district.
- Chhath Puja: This festival is one of the most significant festivals in Bihar, including Saharsa. It is a four-day-long festival dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God).
- Makar Sankranti: This festival marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Saharsa.
- Holi: Also known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is celebrated with much fervor and joy in Saharsa.
- Durga Puja: This festival celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over evil forces and is widely celebrated by people from all walks of life.
- Eid-ul-Fitr: Muslims celebrate this festival after completing their month-long fast during Ramadan.
- Diwali: Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolizes good’s triumph over evil and is celebrated with great pomp and show in Saharsa.
- Saraswati Puja: Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge), this festival sees students performing puja at schools and colleges across Saharsa.
Apart from these festivals, several other cultural events take place throughout the year like Bihula-Bishari Mela, Rajgir Mahotsav etc.
- Litti Chokha: A popular traditional dish made of baked dough balls stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour) and served with mashed potatoes, tomato chutney, and pickles.
- Chaat: A famous street food that includes a variety of savory snacks like samosas, bhel puri, papdi chaat, etc.
- Makhana Kheer: A sweet dessert made of foxnuts (makhana), milk, sugar and flavored with cardamom powder.
- Biryani: A rice-based dish made with chicken or mutton cooked in aromatic spices.
- Shree Sai Restaurant: One of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in Saharsa known for its delicious thali meals and North Indian dishes.
- Hotel Ashoka International: A family-friendly restaurant serving a wide range of Indian and Chinese cuisines at affordable prices.
- Moti Mahal Delux Tandoori Trail: Known for its signature tandoori chicken dishes cooked in traditional clay ovens along with other North Indian delicacies like butter chicken curry etc.
- Pind Balluchi Restaurant & Bar: An upscale dining destination offering authentic Punjabi cuisine along with live music performances on weekends
- Kosi River Park is a public park located on the banks of the Kosi river, providing breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere for picnics and leisure activities.
- Saharsa Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area with diverse flora and fauna, perfect for nature walks, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
- Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary is another nearby sanctuary that features dry deciduous forests and grasslands, serving as home to tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and many other species.
- Chhath Puja Ghat attracts locals every year in November-December to celebrate the Chhath festival by offering prayers to the sun god.
- Saharsa Stadium is an excellent sports complex with facilities for cricket, football, volleyball basketball among other games.
- Rajendra Stadium hosts various sports events throughout the year in town.
- Community Parks are scattered around the city providing green spaces for relaxation or exercise such as Joggers Park or Gandhi Maidan Park.
- Temples & Monuments – Saharsa boasts several ancient temples like Shri Radha Krishna Mandir or Baba Nagarjun Sthan worth visiting along with historic monuments like Teliya Talab or Mahishi Fort which provide glimpses into its rich history and culture.
