Ranaghat is a city in the district of Nadia, West Bengal, India. It is situated 74 kilometres north of Calcutta.It situated by river 'Churni'. It is known for its handloom industry, various types of flowers and sweet dishes especially "Pantooa" made by famous "Jagu Maira". The town has spread up along its borders in all corners recently.It is the Capital of Mahakumas of Nadia district.Total population is around 20lakhs in 2011. People from the nearby places do come here for living. It is one of the most important railway junctions in
the Sealdah-Murshidabad railway section.International Train "Maitree Express" is passing over from here.Ranaghat town has existed since the British invaded India. A myth is still prevalent that the name of the town came from the bandit 'Rana Dacoit', who used to pillage this area 500 or 600 years back and he used to give pujas to the goddess Kali to thank Her. A more likely origin for the name of the town comes from Rani (Queen) or Rana (a Rajput warrior) and Ghat (steps leading to the river).
A large percentage of the population are the families of Hindu refugees from Bangladesh, who fled during the 1971 war with Pakistan. There are also many families who had extensive ties to foreign investments in the town.
The town is home to the famous Bengali people. Yesteryears film actress Raakhee was born and brought up in a refugee colony in Ranaghat. Athlete Soma Biswas hails from Ranaghat. Poet Joy Goswami born & brought up in the town near Chotobazar area.
The town is exactly 74 kilometres north of Calcutta and 26 kilometres south of Krishnanagar, Nadia District headquarters. The Bangladesh border is very close to this town. Ranaghat is located on the banks of River Churni.
The 2011 census, Ranaghat Urban Agglomeration had a population of 235,583, out of which 119,578 were males and 116,005 were females. The 0 to 6 years population was 18,575. Effective literacy rate for the 7+ population was 86.10 per cent. Male literacy stands at 89.77% and female literacy at 82.33%
As of 2001 India census, Ranaghat had a population of 68,754. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Ranaghat has an average literacy rate of 84%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 87%, and female literacy is 80%. In Ranaghat, 8% of the population is under 6 years of age.