Nawalparasi West (Parasi)

Parasi, officially known as Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West), was created in 2017 when the original Nawalparasi was split between Lumbini and Gandaki provinces. The district is home to the sacred Ramgram Stupa (Ramgram Kund), one of the eight original relic stupas of Lord Buddha and the only one that has never been opened or excavated. The stupa holds immense religious significance for Buddhists worldwide and attracts pilgrims from across Asia. The district lies in the fertile Tarai region, with the Narayani River marking its eastern boundary. Parasi is ethnically diverse, with Tharu, Magar, Brahmin-Chhetri, and Bhojpuri-speaking communities. The district's economy is primarily agricultural, with rice, wheat, sugarcane, and mustard as major crops. Cross-border trade with India and the East-West Highway passing through the district contribute to commercial activities. Tourism, particularly religious tourism to Ramgram, and agriculture form the main economic pillars.