With the Himalayas hogging so much of the limelight, it sometimes feels like little attention is paid to the open, lush green fields or the golden harvests in Nepal’s southern plains. But the Tarai has its own cozy and vibrant charms that often go unappreciated. 

Rajbiraj is a small municipality 10 km south of the East-West Highway, close to the Indian Border town of Kunauli. A relatively new town, established by the late king Mahendra, Rajbiraj is the first planned city of Nepal. The city comes alive later in the day as people in colourful religious trinkets and bright clothing crowd the well-planned, yet still maze-like streets, crammed with store fronts selling everything under the sun. The energy only multiplies during the weekly Hatiyaa Bazaars, where farmers from the rural hinterlands set up stalls to trade agricultural produces, spices, and handicrafts

However, arguably the best time to walk around the city is the misty hours of the morning when only few people and fewer bicycles are out in the streets, and the only sound you hear is the songs of the early birds. 

When I was in Rajbiraj recently, the town was immersed in election fervour with party flags, banners, and posters of the candidates spread across the city. Yet, in these photos I have tried to capture the everyday Rajbiraj and its fascinating people on the go. 

Text & Photos: Rabik Upadhyay

PK still looking for his remote?

Season of harvest.

What makes a green city?

Not running late.

Pull it like a bullock.

The wait.

Any good news?

Morning chores.

A monument of mourning.

Just helping granny out.

The disappearing traditional rickshaws.

School-time.

The little shopkeeper.