Biratnagar is a hub for explorers of places in eastern Nepal like Ilam, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha and Panchthar. A number of colorful haat bazaars (weekly markets) are held each week in different parts of the town, where farmers from the rural hinterland set up stalls to trade agricultural produce, spices and handicrafts.

The old name of Biratnagar was Gograha Bazaar. Biratnagar the ancient kingdom of Matsyadesh was ruled by the great King Virata five thousand years ago. Gograha is the historical place since king Birat reign. The ruins of temples, palaces and ponds are scattered in a vast area of Vedhyari, Buddhanagar VDC. The ruins of the buildings and deep wells are to be found in many areas. Since the last three to four centuries the encroachment by the newcomers has been a major problem to the old heritage. The typical people used to live in this ancient city and its nearby area since unknown past. They called themselves as "BIRAT RAJBANSHI" not to be confused with Bengali(Koch) Rajbanshi. In 1914 AD, Colonel Jit Bahadur Khatri, the district governor, laid the foundations of modern Biratnagar by moving the hospital, post office, jail and the customs, land registry, forestry and auditor offices to Gograha Bazaar from Rangeli, the district capital of Morang at the time. Biratnagar got its present name in 1919 AD (around 1976 BS) from Keshar Shamsher Rana after objects of historical importance, believed to be of King Virata's time, were found in the place. The region is believed to be a part of the kingdom of Virata, mentioned in the Mahabharata. The ruins of the palace along with stone carved tools, idols, and household objects can be seen protected in the southern part of Biratnagar, close to the border. In Nepali birat means huge and nagar means city. Article Reference Biratnagar got its present name in 1919 AD from Keshar Shamsher Rana after objects of historical importance were found. The ruins of the palace along with stone carved tools, idols and household objects can be seen protected in southern part of Biratnagar at Bhedyari, Buddhanagar VDC.

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