East Champaran (Motihari), locally known as पूर्वी चंपारण (मोतिहारी), is a district in northern Bihar, India, bordering Nepal. Its headquarters is Motihari. The district is closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha of 1917, a landmark campaign against the exploitation of indigo farmers.
Bhojpuri and Hindi are widely spoken, and festivals such as Chhath Puja are important to community life. Agriculture supports much of the economy, alongside trade, services and cross-border commerce around Raxaul. Rice, wheat and sugarcane are among the crops grown. Notable sites include Gandhi-related memorials in Motihari, the Kesariya Buddhist stupa and the Ashokan pillar at Lauria Nandangarh’s distinct counterpart, Lauria Areraj.
Residents commonly focus on flood protection, drainage, reliable roads and access to healthcare and education. Farm incomes, irrigation, employment and migration also shape civic discussions. In towns, sanitation, waste collection, traffic management and dependable public services are recurring concerns.