Quick Facts
Area: 2,830 km
Population: 2,158,608 (Males - 1,128,105, Females - 1,030,503)
Head Quarters: Araria
Sub Divisions of Araria: Araria & Forbesganj
Blocks of Araria: Araria, Kursakanta, Sikti, Ranjiganj, Jokihaat, Palasi, Forbesganj, Bhargama and Narpatganj.
Nearby Districts of Araria: Purnia, Kishanganj, Katihar and Uttar Dinajpur (West Bengal)
Nearby Towns of Araria: Purnia (42 km), Kishanganj (50 km)
Industry of Araria: Jute and Pyl
Main Crops of Araria: Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Banana and Jute
Major Rivers of Araria: Kosi, Kali, Koli and Suwara
Member of Parliament: Pradeep Kumar Singh (Bhartiya Janata Party – BJP)
MLAs of Araria: Zakir Hussain Khan (Araria Constituency – Zakir Hussain Khan), Devanti Yadav (Narpatganj Constituency – BJP), Parmanand Rishideo (Raniganj Constituency – BJP), Padam Parag Roy Venu (Forbesganj Constituency – BJP), Sarfraz Alam (Jokihat Constituency – JD (U) and Anandi Prasad Yadav (Sikti Constituency – BJP)
Renowned as the workplace of legendary novelist Fanishwar Nath Renu (1921 – 1977), Araria is one of the five districts where Surjapuri language is spoken. Situated in the north-eastern part of Bihar, Araria district shares international boundary with Nepal. Borders of Araria are flanked by Kishanganj in eastern side, and Supaul and Purnia at western side. The district of Araria came into existence on January 14, 1990 by division of Purnia district. As per last census Araria has a population of 1,611,638 that consists of people of various religious faiths mainly Hinduism and Islam. Despite differences in religious belief, people of Araria respect each other and live with peace and brotherhood.
Araria is also one of the most educationally and economically backward districts of Bihar and the country as well. As per the 2001 census only 35 people in Araria district are literate. Agriculture is the main occupation of locals and crops like Paddy, Wheat and Maize are cultivated at major scale. Some small scale industries are also available in Araria that provide employment to thousands of people. Besides daily life, people also celebrate a number of festivals and events every year. Religious festivals like Makar Sankranti, Sarswati Puja, Deepawali, Durga Puja (Dusshera), Chhath, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha are celebrated with pomp and gaiety. Besides the religious festivals, many fairs are also organised in different parts of Araria such as Baloo Bazaar. Festivals and events of Araria also showcase the local culture and traditions of Surjapur area.
Like other Surjapuri areas, nature has blessed Araria district with unmatched beauty. Besides a picturesque landscape, Araria abounds with natural treasures like lush green fields, shimmering rivers and canals, and soothing climate. Even you can enjoy the splendid view of Mountain Kanchenjunga (the highest peak of Great Himalayas) from Araria especially during winters. Araria enjoys a pleasant climate round the year, only the summer season is little humid but the temperature never crosses 40 degree Celsius. It is better to avoid a trip to Araria during rainy season (July and September) as most of the rivers get flooded due to heavy rainfalls. In addition to natural beauty, Araria is also home to many man-made attractions including some old temples and shrines.
Good roads connect Araria district with nearby districts of Kishanganj, Purnea, Madhepura and other parts of Bihar. There are two main bus terminals in the district headquarters of Araria – one at the ‘Zero’ (0) mile and another in the city centre. Buses ply at regular intervals from the district headquarters to major destinations of Araria and neighbouring districts. Araria is also connected by broad gauge track with Purnia, Jogbani and Katihar – a major railhead of Bihar. Seemanchal Express (2487/2488) is an express train that connect Araria with national capital Delhi. Kolkata – Jogbani Express (3159) that runs between Kolkata and Jogbani stops at Araria Railway Station. The nearest airport from Araria is situated at Bagdogra, approximately 100 km away. Bagdogra Airport is served by domestic flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and other parts of the country. You can hire a private vehicle (car / taxi) at Bagdogra Airport to reach Araria.
