Sahid Smarak (Martyrs' Memorial), located in Hetauda-11, can be reached by traveling 4 km west from Hetauda Bazaar via a paved road. It is the first martyrs' memorial in Nepal. The concept was envisioned on July 23, 1990 (Shrawan 7, 2047 BS) during a discussion between litterateur Modanath Prasrit and the then Mayor of Hetauda Municipality (and former Chief Minister of Province No. 3) Dormani Paudel; on the same day, it was named Sahid Smriti Batika and a tree-planting ceremony was held. On December 31, 1992 (Poush 17, 2049 BS), following a decision by the Makwanpur District Council, a cash grant of 25,000 rupees was provided to develop this area. In January/February of the same year (Magh), the foundation stone of the memorial was laid. With the assistance of Hetauda Cement Industries Limited, a large black stone was brought from the local Saraswati River, and a monument was established by carving the faces of 13 martyrs into that single stone: 1. Sardar Bhakti Thapa, 2. Shukraraj Shastri, 3. Dharmabhakta Mathema, 4. Gangalal Shrestha, 5. Dasharath Chand, 6. Biren Rajbanshi, 7. Durga Nand Jha, 8. Ratna Kumar Bantawa, 9. Netra Ghimire, 10. Ramnath Dahal, 11. Bhimdatta Panta, 12. Prabhakar Paudel, and one unknown martyr. Additionally, a Democratic Park has been built at the same location, featuring statues of Pushpa Lal Shrestha, B.P. Koirala, Ganeshman Singh, and Manmohan Adhikari. The memorial complex includes a monument to Madan Bhandari, a pillar dedicated to Rupchandra Bista, a martyr's pillar, a zoo, a swimming pool, a children's park, a guest house, picnic sheds, attractive gardens, water fountains, a waiting lounge, a suspension bridge, the Makwanpur District Information Center, and various scenic spots. It also provides all necessary utensils and equipment required for parties and picnics. Due to proper water and restroom facilities, approximately 500,000 people visit annually from distant places for picnics. To reach here, auto-rickshaws and Magic vans are available from Rapti Road, and tea and snack shops are available on-site.
