Muktagacha Upazila
Muktagacha () is an upazila of Mymensingh District in the Division of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. It is known for sweets which are made there, called "Monda". It is also known for the Rajbari (a zamindar's residence) which is currently used as an educational institute, Shahid Shrity College. Etymology. The previous name of Muktagacha was "Binodbari". When the Zamindars (kings) arrived from Natore, an inhabitant of the town, Muktaram Karmakar, presented them with a gold lamp-stand, locally called "Gacha". This pleased the Zamindars. They wanted to acknowledge the present and show respect to Muktaram, so they renamed the town  to "Muktagacha". Geography. Muktagacha is located at . It has a total area of 314.71 km. Demographics. According to the 2011 Bangladesh census, Muktagacha Upazila had 96,657 households and a population of 415,473, 12.0% of whom lived in urban areas. 11.6% of the population was under the age of 5. The literacy rate (age 7 and over) was 43.5%, compared to the national average of 51.8%. Arts and culture. Muktagacha has always been a place to nourish the various cultural activities. The Zaminders of Muktagacha were always conscious of cultural activities. Raja Jagat Kishore Acharya Choudhury was a patron of culture . He brought cultural people like Ustad Alauddin Khan, Hafiz Ali Khan, Dabir Khan and others to Muktagacha. People here practice "Rabindra Sangeet", "Nazrul Sangeet", "Kirtan", "Lalon Geeti" etc. In addition, various cultural activities are held around the year. The artist association of Muktagacha is "Aymon Tirer Shillpy Somaj' according to the name of "Aymon River". Administration. Muktagacha Upazila is divided into Muktagacha Municipality and ten union parishads: Basati, Borogram, Daogaon, Dulla, Ghoga, Kashimpur, Kheruajani, Kumargata, Mankon, and Tarati. The union parishads are subdivided into 261 mauzas and 283 villages. Muktagacha Municipality is subdivided into 9 wards and 21 mahallas. Religious  activities. Muktagacha has a long tradition of being a peaceful land decorated with religious harmony. Both the Hindus and Muslims are of brotherly nature and live peacefully together. Eid is celebrated with much grandeur and devotion. In this day, not only the Muslims visit each other's home but also the Hindus also visit Muslim homes as well. People share many food items and gifts to mark the occasion. Many fairs, locally called "Mela", are held for weeks. Durga Puja is the main religious festival of the Hindu community here. During Durga Puja the whole town takes a festive look . People of all community enjoy the Puja holiday. Devotees and visitors go from one pandal to another to see the idols of Goddess Durga. On the day of Bijoyadashami, the idols are carried out in long processions and then immersed into nearby water bodies. Besides these all other religious activities are peacefully observed. There is a 200-year-old twin Shiva Temple just outside the zamindar-house where Durga Puja is also celebrated. Schools and colleges. Schools Colleges