Overview
Katihar district is an administrative district in the state of Bihar, India. Located in the north-eastern part of the state, it forms part of the Purnia division and is known for its role as a major railway junction in eastern India. The district takes its name from its headquarters town, Katihar.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Bihar |
| Division | Purnia |
| Headquarters | Katihar |
| Region | Seemanchal / Kosi region |
| Major language | Hindi, Urdu, Surjapuri, Maithili |
Geography
Katihar district lies in the eastern reaches of the Bihar plain, in the area where the Ganges and the Kosi river systems converge. The district is bordered by Purnia district to the west, Araria district to the north-west, Kishanganj district to the north, the state of West Bengal to the east, and Bhagalpur and Sahibganj (in Jharkhand) to the south across the Ganga. The terrain is generally flat alluvial plain, with several rivers including the Mahananda and the Kosi flowing through or along its edges, making the area fertile but also subject to seasonal flooding.
Administration
The district is part of the Purnia commissionerate of Bihar. It is divided into sub-divisions and community development blocks, with Katihar town serving as the district headquarters and the seat of the Collector and District Magistrate. The district falls within the jurisdiction of the Katihar parliamentary constituency for elections to the Lok Sabha, and contains several Vidhan Sabha (Bihar Legislative Assembly) constituencies including Katihar, Kadwa, Balrampur, Pranpur, Manihari, Barari and Korha.
Economy
The economy of Katihar is predominantly agricultural. Major crops include paddy, jute, maize, wheat and pulses, with jute cultivation historically being significant in the region. Trade and transport linked to the railway junction also contribute to the local economy, and the district has small-scale industries connected to agro-processing.
Transport
Katihar is best known nationally for Katihar Junction, an important railway hub on the network of Indian Railways. It serves as the headquarters of the Katihar railway division of the Northeast Frontier Railway zone, providing connectivity between mainland India and the north-eastern states. The town is a meeting point of broad-gauge lines running towards Barauni, Malda, Jogbani and Siliguri, making it a strategic node for both passenger and freight movement in eastern India. National and state highways connect the district to Purnia, Bhagalpur and onward to West Bengal.
Demographics and culture
The population is religiously and linguistically diverse, with sizeable Hindu and Muslim communities. Surjapuri, a regional language of the Seemanchal area, is widely spoken alongside Hindi and Urdu, while Maithili and Bengali are also used in parts of the district. The cultural fabric reflects the wider Mithila and Seemanchal traditions, with festivals such as Chhath, Eid, Durga Puja and Holi being prominent.
Places of interest
- Manihari Ghat – a historic ferry point on the Ganga, traditionally linking Bihar with Sahibganj in Jharkhand.
- Gogabil Lake – a wetland and bird habitat in the district.
- Katihar town – administrative and commercial centre with the railway junction.
Related topics
- Bihar
- Purnia division
- Seemanchal
- Districts of Bihar
- Katihar Junction railway station
- Northeast Frontier Railway