Manik Chowk, Sitamarhi

Geography

Manik Chowk is situated between Prem Nagar, Garha, Tikauli, and Lalpur. It is 65 m (213 ft) above sea level. This area has been hit by flood many times, though the land is very fertile. The whole area lies to the south of the mountain range of southern Himalayas in its north and the Ganges to the south. Summer temperatures are moderate and the winter is chilling cold.

Culture

Manik Chowk is located in at the confluence of Mithila. Most of the people are either Maithil. The languages spoken are Maithili. Local people used to talk in Maithili which is a consequence of its location being surrounded by these regions.

Residents participate in festivals such as Sama, Chhath Puja, and Durga Puja in the winter season. Marriages in this village are major cultural events, requiring a large amount of preparations and arrangement with many cultural rituals.

Festival

The major festival of this area is Chhath Puja in which people offer their prayer to Lord Sun. Out-of-town family members frequently travel home to celebrate Chhath Puja with their family members and neighbours. Holi and Diwali are other two festivals celebrated in the village. Other festivals such as Dusshera, Makar Sankranti Id, Christmas and others are also celebrated with full enjoyment. The festivals celebrated here promote co-operation and brotherhood.

Crops

The major food crops are rice, wheat, and maize. The area is a major producer of sugarcane, tobacco, and other cash crops. Lentils, sun flower, and mustard is also grown in this area. High crop production has given rise to many agro based industries in this area.

Fruits

Manik Chowk is known for its large number of mango and litchi orchards. Export of these litchi brings foreign currency to the country. At the same time it is boosting the economic scenario of the whole area.

Market

Manik Chowk (BAZAR) is one of the largest markets in the area. Ready made cloth, jewellery is sold across the north Bihar and is supplied to some parts of Nepal. The market provides most of the need of local people.

Transportation

Manik Chowk is 40 km from Muzaffarpur, and 20 km from Sitamarhi, its district headquarters. 24 hour bus service, both private operators and government, run BSRTC buses to provide connectivity to the village from Muzaffarpur, Patna and Sitamarhi.

There is a newly constructed railway line near Manik Chowk. The nearest railway station is at Garha Jn, 1.5 km away, and from there one can travel to Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi, and to other parts of India.

Education

Manik Chowk has many schools. Currently Sri Murari Jha is a Head Master of a main CRC and RBC centre school. There are privately run convent schools there. A government run Middle school and High school are in the village.The name of high school is MVG High School Manik chowk. Harsinghpur is situated in north of this village from where a lot of students are studying in national level institutions.