Gisara

Geography

Located at 26.48°N longitude 85.39°E latitude and about 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) south from the district headquarters, Sitamarhi, Gisara has an average elevation of 55 metres (180 ft). A number of its buildings are ruins dating from the British occupation, including a high school and a place of worship (Gisara math). There is a bazaar near the Matha. The area is prone to flooding as it lies between two rivers, the Bagmati River and the Lakshmana (Lakhandey) River.

The Gisara panchayat lies in the middle portion of Sitamarhi district. It is bordered by the Runni Saidpur panchayat. On the north, it borders the Belsand panchayat.

Demographics

According to the 2001 India census, Gisara had a population of 20,821. Males constituted 53% of the population, and females 47%. 19% of the population was under 6 years of age.

The literacy rate of the village was 28.57% compared to the literacy rate of state 47%, which is less than the state literacy rate. The rate of literacy has been very low and needs immediate attention of Union and State Government. The female literacy rate was 14.28%, compared to male literacy rate of 41.52%.

The total working population is 39.84% of the total population. 63.67% of the men are working population . 13.56% of the women are working population. The main working population is 33.68% of the total population. 60.08% of the men are main working population . 4.57% of the women are main working population. While the marginal working population is 6.16% of the total population. 3.59% of the men are marginal working population. 8.99% of the women are marginal working population. The total non working population is 60.16% of the total population. 36.33% of the men are non working population. 86.44% of the women are non working population.

Festivals

The major festival of Gisara is Chhath Puja during which people offer prayers to the Hindu Sun God, Surya, also known as Surya Shashti. It is generally celebrated at home with family members and villagers. The festivals of Holi and Diwali are also widely celebrated. Other festivals such as Dusshera, Makar Sakranti, the Id festival, and Christmas are also celebrated to varying extents.

Cuisine

Khichdi constitutes the lunch for most on Saturdays and is a staple food here. It consists of rice and lentils seasoned with spices and served with items such as curd, chutney, pickles, papads, ghee (clarified butter) and chokha (boiled mashed potatoes, seasoned with finely cut onions, green chilies). Afternoon meals mostly consist of rice, lentil and vegetables, while dinner consists of roti (flat bread) and vegetables. Gisara is also known for the sweet delicacies of Bihar, including Chhena ka jalebi and Kala Jamun.

Crops

The major food crops of Gisara are rice, wheat and maize. The area is also a major producer of sugarcane, tobacco and other cash crops. Lentils, sunflower and mustard are grown. Agriculture has given rise to many agro-based industries.

Access

The town is 50 kilometres (31 mi) from Muzaffarpur, the biggest town of north Bihar, and 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from Sitamarhi, its district headquarters. There is a 24-hour bus service connecting both Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi with Gisara, both run by private operators. The nearest railway stations are in Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi. The nearest airport is in Patna, approximately 125 kilometres (78 mi) from Gisara.

Tourism

One of the most sacred places in Gisara is the underground Shiva Temple called Demami Math. A large number of tourist establishments are nearby.

The Janaki Mandir, a Hindu temple at the heart of Janakpur, Nepal dedicated to the goddess Sita is approximately 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) away. The temple is over 100 years old and is a major tourist attraction.

Punaura Dham, a temple in Sitamarhi, is said to be the birthplace of the goddess Sita and is approximately 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) away. It is believed that Raja Janak, a legendary king of the Videha Kingdom, plowed the field on which Punaura Dham sits for rain. It is now protected as a religious landmark by the Government of Bihar.

Education

Gisara is the educational hub of the area. Many private schools have recently opened in the city, in addition to government schools. Nearby villagers come to Gisara to attend school.

Sports

As in the rest of India, cricket is the most popular sport in Gisara. There are several cricket grounds (or maidans) throughout the village.

Financial district

In Gisara there are branches of the Central Bank of India, the Co-operative Bank of India, and a financial organisation called Sahara India Private Limited. There is also a Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown which assists farmers in the area.