Ortiradi

Ortiradi is a rural municipality located in the Lumbini Zone of southern Nepal, within the Syangja District. The settlement lies at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level and is situated between the confluence of the Kaligandaki and Marshyangdi rivers. Historically, Ortiradi was part of the ancient Khasa kingdom and later fell under the jurisdiction of the Gorkha Kingdom during the unification of Nepal in the 18th century. The village gained its current administrative status following the promulgation of the new federal constitution in 2015, when it was merged with neighboring wards to form the municipality.

The population of Ortiradi, according to the 2011 national census, was around 5,500 residents, the majority of whom belong to the Bahun and Chhetri castes, with a representation of Newar, Kami, and other ethnic groups. Agriculture remains the predominant livelihood, with terraced fields cultivating millet, maize, and wheat; subsidiary activities include livestock rearing and small-scale horticulture. In recent years, the municipality has invested in infrastructure projects such as road improvements, water supply systems, and community health posts, improving access and public services.

Education in Ortiradi is served by two primary schools and one secondary school, both offering curricula aligned with the national education board. Local cultural life is characterized by traditional festivals such as Dashain and Tihar, which are celebrated with communal feasts and religious rituals. Folk music and dance also play a prominent role in community gatherings. The municipality is governed by a mayor and council elected under Nepal’s local government act, with a primary focus on sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and heritage preservation.