Village Profile & History

Geography and Demographics

Kataiya lies in Rupani Rural Municipality, Saptari District, Madhesh Province. It is located in the fertile Terai plains, just south of the East–West Highway. The area spans about 6.23 km² with an elevation of ~78 m above sea level.

According to the National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) 2021, Kataiya Ward No. 3 has a total population of 5,787 (2,892 males and 2,895 females)【NPHC 2021】. This shows an increase from 4,987 in 2011. The ward’s population density is 928 persons per km², higher than the average rural density of Nepal, reflecting the fertile farmland and close settlement structure.

Cultural and Ethnic Background

The community is multi-ethnic and multi-lingual, with a majority belonging to Madhesi/ Maithil communities. The principal language spoken is Maithili, alongside Nepali. Hinduism is the dominant religion, and the ward is rich in cultural practices, rituals, and folk traditions.

Major Hindu festivals celebrated include Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, Holi, and Ram Navami. These include Chhath Puja is especially significant, with large gatherings on riverbanks and ponds to worship the Sun God. Local Muslims also celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, making the ward culturally diverse. Folk dances such as Jhijhiya and Nachari, along with traditional Mithila art, remain part of community life.

Historical Significance

Kataiya was formerly a Village Development Committee (VDC) and became Ward No. 3 of Rupani Rural Municipality after Nepal’s local restructuring in 2017. The area has long been a settlement of farming families, sustained by the fertile Terai land.

Important religious and historical sites include:

• Dinaram Bhadri Temple – a village shrine dedicated to the local deity, especially significant for the Musahar community.
• Shiva Sani Dham – located north of Kataiya in the Chure hills, an important pilgrimage spot.

Much of Kataiya’s history is preserved through oral traditions, festivals, and temple heritage rather than written records.

Economy and Livelihoods

The ward’s economy is primarily agrarian, with most households engaged in farming. Main crops include paddy rice, maize, wheat, pulses, and vegetables. Livestock rearing (cattle, goats, poultry) provides additional income. Irrigation is supported by canals, ponds, and traditional wells.

Besides agriculture, remittances from migrant workers (to Gulf countries, Malaysia, and Indian cities) play a vital role in household income. Small shops, local markets, and trade in Rupani Bazaar also support the community.