List of Major Rivers in Bihar: Interactive Map & Features

Bihar is an entirely landlocked state located in the heart of the Indo-Gangetic plain, bordered by the Himalayas in the north and the Deccan Plateau in the south. The state’s total water-covered area is about 3.82 lakh hectares, constituting roughly 4.1% of its total area.

The Ganga River serves as the primary watercourse that divides Bihar into two unequal parts. Additionally, the rivers in Bihar can be broadly categorized into two main groups based on their location: the Northern Rivers of Bihar and the Southern Rivers of Bihar.

River Classification in Bihar

Northern Rivers of Bihar

The Northern Rivers of Bihar originate from the Himalayas and Nepal, playing a significant role in the state’s river system. These rivers are primarily perennial, meaning they are fed by glaciers and the monsoon rains, which ensures a constant flow throughout the year.

Major Rivers in Northern Bihar include:

• Ghaghra
• Gandak
• Burhi Gandak
• Bagmati
• Kamla Balan
• Kosi

Features of Northern Rivers:

• High sediment load leads to frequent floods.
• Rivers shift their channels often.
• Formation of oxbow lakes (chaurs) and waterlogged areas.
• The North Plains of Bihar, an alluvial plain, lie north of the Ganga River.

Southern Rivers of Bihar

In contrast to the Northern Rivers, the Southern Rivers of Bihar originate from the Chotanagpur Plateau, Rajmahal Hills, and the Vindhyas. These rivers are primarily seasonal, heavily reliant on the monsoon rains, and subject to lower flow rates in the dry season.

Key Rivers in Southern Bihar include:

• Son
• Punpun
• Kiul-Harohar
• Badua
• Chandan
• Karmnasa

Features of Southern Rivers:

• Low sedimentation compared to northern rivers.
• Contribute to the formation of Tal, shallow floodplains.
• Flow patterns are influenced by the plateau terrain.

Map of Bihar’s River

List of the Major Rivers in Bihar

1. Ganga River

• Origin: Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand
• Enters Bihar: Near Buxar district
• Exits Bihar: Through Bhagalpur district into West Bengal
• Length in Bihar: ~445 km

The Ganga is the most important and sacred river of Bihar. Flowing west to east, it forms the backbone of the state’s river system. It serves as the principal river into which many other tributaries merge. Cities like Patna, Munger, Bhagalpur, and Buxar are located along its banks.

2. Gandak River

• Origin: Nhubine Himal Glacier, Nepal
• Enters Bihar: Near Valmikinagar, West Champaran
• Joins Ganga: Near Patna
• Length in Bihar: ~260 km

The Gandak (also known as Narayani in Nepal) is a perennial river. It is an important river for northern Bihar and is used extensively for irrigation and hydroelectricity. The Gandak Barrage near Valmikinagar is a significant project benefiting Bihar’s agriculture.

Major Tributaries in Bihar:

• Burhi Gandak
• Masan
• Harha
• Dhanauti

3. Kosi River

• Origin: Himalayas in Tibet (China) and Nepal
• Enters Bihar: Near Supaul district
• Joins Ganga: Near Kursela in Katihar district
• Length in Bihar: ~320 km

Nicknamed the “Sorrow of Bihar” due to frequent and devastating floods, the Kosi is known for its ever-shifting course. Despite its destructive nature, the Kosi basin is agriculturally fertile. The Kosi Mega Project and embankments have been developed to reduce flood impact.

Tributaries:

• Arun
• Sun Kosi
• Tamur (All in Nepal)
• Bhutahi Balan (In Bihar)

4. Sone River

• Origin: Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh
• Enters Bihar: Near Rohtas district
• Joins Ganga: Near Maner, Patna district
• Length in Bihar: ~200 km

The Son River, a major southern tributary of the Ganga, is known for its broad and dry bed. It is seasonal and mostly dependent on rain. The Indrapuri Barrage in Rohtas district is a major structure on this river, crucial for irrigation.

Tributaries:

• Koel
• Johilla
• Rihand

5. Punpun River

• Origin: Palamu district, Jharkhand
• Flows Through: Aurangabad, Gaya, Patna
• Joins Ganga: Near Fatuha in Patna district

The Punpun is a seasonal river that causes flooding during monsoons. Though small, it holds significance due to its proximity to urban areas like Patna and Gaya. The river is also mentioned in religious texts.

6. Falgu River

• Origin: Combination of Lilajan and Mohana Rivers in Gaya
• Flows Through: Gaya, Jehanabad
• Drains Into: Punpun River

7. Burhi Gandak River

• Origin: Chautarwa Chaur, West Champaran district
• Joins Ganga: Near Khagaria

A parallel stream to the Gandak, the Burhi Gandak flows through East and West Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, and Khagaria districts. It often causes flooding in North Bihar.

8. Bagmati River

• Origin: Shivapuri Hills, Nepal
• Enters Bihar: Near Sitamarhi district
• Joins Kosi: Near Darbhanga

Bagmati holds religious significance in Nepal and India. It flows through the flood-prone districts of North Bihar and affects Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, and Darbhanga.

9. Kamla Balan River

• Origin: Nepal
• Enters Bihar: Madhubani district
• Joins Kosi: Near Darbhanga

Kamla Balan is a tributary of the Kosi and causes floods during the monsoon. It is important for the Mithila region and is often discussed in flood control strategies.

10. Mahananda River

• Origin: Darjeeling Hills, West Bengal
• Flows Through: Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar
• Joins Ganga: Near Manihari in Katihar

Mahananda forms the eastern boundary of Bihar. Though it enters briefly, it contributes to the Ganga system and supports agriculture in the Seemanchal region.

Other Minor Rivers in Bihar

• Durgawati River – Rohtas district
• Karmanasa River – Forms boundary with Uttar Pradesh
• Chandan River – Bhagalpur district
• Sakri River – Tributary of the Burhi Gandak
• Mechi River – Forms boundary with Nepal
• Harohar River – Tributary of Punpun
• Ajay River – Flows briefly in Jamui and Bhagalpur districts

Longest & Shortest Rivers of Bihar

Longest River – Ganga

• 445 km in Bihar, traverses major cities like Patna, Bhagalpur
• Has the largest river basin in India (136,970 sq km)

Shortest Notable River – Karmnasa

• Only 24 km in Bihar
• Still significant due to its boundary formation with UP

Cultural and Religious Significance of Rivers in Bihar

• Ganga Aarti in Patna – A daily spiritual ritual attracting thousands
• Chhath Puja – Dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated on the banks of the Ganga and other rivers
• Phalgu River in Gaya – Site for Pind Daan, a ritual for ancestors
• Sonpur Mela – Held at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak Rivers, known as one of Asia’s largest cattle fairs.

Want to explore more? Don’t miss our complete List of Major Rivers of India with Map — a state-wise guide to India’s most important rivers, their origins, and tributaries.