Katihar has a total population of 2,26,261 and ranks 75th in terms of Hindi speakers. Highest employment in Katihar is in Jute Work, Makhana production and in Agriculture. Out of entire the workforce, 83% are employed in Agriculture, 15% in Industry & Government sector and remaining 2% Household workers. Katihar is a good agricultural belt because of the river Ganga, Mahananda and Koshi. Paddy is the main crop of the district. Earlier Katihar was a part of Purnia district but it split from Purnia in 1973. The district was dominated by the Chaudhari family who were the biggest landlords of Kosi zone. Katihar was also a part of Bengal before the partition of Bengal. And after the partition of Bengal, Katihar district became part of Bihar. Although its culturally a part of Bengal this district is in Bihar. Durgo Poojo is widely celebrated in this district. It is also the starting point of North East Frontier Railway.
