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Bhagalpur

Bhagalpur, also called Champa Nagari in the past, is a city in Bihar, India. It is located on the southern side of the Ganges River and is the third biggest city in Bihar. It is the main city of Bhagalpur district and division.

भागलपुर
𑒦𑒰𑒑𑒪𑒣𑒳𑒩
Champanagri
Bhaugulpore
City
Ghantaghar (clocktower)
Maharishi Mehi Aashram
Ruins of Vikramshila Mahavihara
 
Coordinates: 25°15′N 87°0′E / 25.250°N 87.000°E / 25.250; 87.000Coordinates: 25°15′N 87°0′E / 25.250°N 87.000°E / 25.250; 87.000
Country India
StateBihar Government Banner.png Bihar
DistrictBhagalpur
Government
 • TypeMunicipal Corporation
 • BodyBhagalpur Municipal Corporation
 • MayorBasundhara Lal (BJP)
 • Municipal commissionerNitin Kumar Singh (IAS)
Area
[2]
 • Total218.28 km2 (84.28 sq mi)
Elevation
[3]
52 m (171 ft)
Population
 (2011)[4]
 • Total410,210
 • Density1,879.28/km2 (4,867.32/sq mi)
Language
 • OfficialHindi[5]
 • Additional officialUrdu[5]
 • RegionalAngika[6]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Postal Index Number
812001-81XXXX[7]
Vehicle registrationBR-10
Websitebhagalpur.nic.in

Bhagalpur is famous for making silk, so people call it the "Silk City." The Indian government has included it in the Smart Cities Mission for better development. After Patna, it is the only place in Bihar with three big colleges: IIT Bhagalpur, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, and TMBU, along with an agriculture university. A new university, Vikramshila Central University, is being built near the old ruins of Vikramshila Mahavihara.

The Bhagalpur Railway Station connects the city to other places. The Ganges River near Bhagalpur is home to the Gangetic dolphin, which is India's national aquatic animal. There is a special protected area called Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary to help keep the dolphins safe.

Bhagalpur has big celebrations, including the largest Manasa Puja and one of the biggest Kali Puja processions in the region. These events are important cultural traditions.[8]

Flora and fauna

Greater adjutant (Garuda)

Greater adjutant

The Greater Adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius) is a large stork, connected to the mythical bird Garuda. Bhagalpur in Bihar has the second-largest Rescue and Rehabilitation area for this endangered species. Their population declined because of habitat loss, pollution, hunting, and egg collection.[9]

The birds were first seen breeding in Bihar in 2007, when they nested on a silk cotton tree in the Ganga-Diara area. Before that, they had never been recorded breeding in Bihar. In 2006, a team from Mandar Nature Club saw 42 of these birds in the region for the first time. Their numbers grew over the next few years, increasing from 78 to over 500. Today, Bhagalpur is one of only three places where Greater Adjutants are found, alongside Cambodia and Assam.[9]

The greater adjutant is an endangered species, listed on the IUCN Red List and protected under India's Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. It is a large stork with a bald pink head, a thick yellow bill, and a long hanging neck pouch. The white neck ruff contrasts with its dark grey body, making it resemble a vulture. Its wings have pale grey edges, while young birds have darker wings, a narrower bill, and thicker feathers on the head and neck. This bird can grow up to 145–150 cm (about three feet) in length and stand between four to five feet tall.[10]

Demographics

Historical Population of Municipal Corporation
Year Population ±%
1872 65,377 —
1881 68,238 +4.4%
1891 69,106 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
1901 75,760 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
1911 74,349 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
1921 68,878 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
1931 83,847 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
1941 93,254 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
1951 1,14,530 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
1961 1,43,850 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
1971 1,72,202 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
1981 2,25,062 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
1991 2,53,225 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
2001 3,40,767 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
2011 4,00,146 Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character ",".
Source: District Census Handbook[11]

As of the 2011 census, Bhagalpur's urban area had a population of 410,210, making it the third-largest city in Bihar. Among them, 218,284 were men and 191,926 were women. The city had 55,898 children aged 0 to 6 years. In terms of literacy, 286,125 people could read and write—160,720 men and 125,405 women. The overall literacy rate for people aged 7 and above was 80.76%, with men at 84.95% and women at 75.95%.[4]

Religion

Hinduism is the majority religion in Bhagalpur City with about 70% of the population following it, than followed by Islam with 29% adherants. It also has a small minority of Jains and Christians.[12]

Language

Bhagalpur is an important location where Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal meet. Historically, it was the capital of Anga Pradesh and played a key role in independence under Tilkamanjhi. Over time, the region has become a center for different languages and cultures. Many communities, including Biharis, Bengalis, Marwaris, Muslims, Santalis, and Pahadis, live here, making it a diverse and culturally rich area.

However, Angika language is primarily spoken in the district.[13] Apart from Angika, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu and Santhali are prominent languages of the region.[14] It is a multilingual district and has been a centre of development for many languages during the ancient era in the Vikramshila University.

Culture

Bhagalpur has a deep cultural heritage that has lasted for centuries. The ancient city, once known as Champanagari, is famous for its silk industry and trade. It thrives in its festivals, art, food, and commerce, reflecting its cultural richness.

The region follows the "Aangi" or "Angika" traditions, which add to its unique identity. It is home to a diverse community, blending different customs and traditions. As an important center in Anga, later Bengal, and now Bihar, Bhagalpur has embraced, respected, and promoted various cultures, preserving its historical and cultural richness.

Kali Puja

Kali Puja celebration in Bhagalpur

Kali Puja is one of the most significant festivals in Bhagalpur and the surrounding region. On Deepawali, many Kali temples and Puja Mandaps are beautifully decorated to honor Goddess Kali. After the Puja, the Murti Bisarjan (idol immersion) procession is so grand that it takes 36 hours to complete one major phase.

The Shobhayatra (procession) of Bhagalpur Kali Puja marked its 71st year in 2024, highlighting its long-standing cultural tradition in the Anga region. The post-Puja procession is considered an intangible cultural treasure of the city, showcasing the deep devotion and rich heritage of Bhagalpur.[15]

Behula Bishari

This is an image of cultural festival of Bhagalpur.
Manasa Puja at Deepnagar Chowk, Bhagalpur.

Manasa Puja, also called "Bishari Puja," is a traditional folk festival in Bhagalpur, once known as Champanagari or Champaknagari, the capital of Anga Mahajanapada. The festival honors Maa Mansa, the Guardian Goddess, and her renunciation.

Every year, the city also celebrates the legendary wedding of Behula and Lakhinder during the puja, reflecting the deep cultural and mythological roots of the region.[16]

In medieval Bengali literature, particularly in Mansamangal, Behula is portrayed as both a heroine and a goddess. Between the 13th and 18th centuries, many works were created based on her story, originally meant to emphasize the importance of Goddess Manasa. However, these stories became more famous for showcasing the deep devotion and love between Behula and her husband, Lakhinder (Lakhander or Lakshinder).

During Manasa Puja, local women sing folk songs in Angika and offer Manjusha—special decorative offerings—to the Goddess. Interestingly, this tale is not just seen as mythology. There are reports that the metal house built by Vishvakarma under Chand Saudagar’s order to protect Behula and Lakhinder from snake bites can still be seen when heavy rains occur in the region.[17]

River

There are many rivers which cross the Bhagalpur Border. They are:-

  1. Ganga River- The Ganga is the most Scared River in India, It Flows through Bhagalpur.
  2. Kosi River: The Koshi River, also known as the "Sorrow of Bihar," is a major river that flows near Bhagalpur.
  3. Ghaghara River: The Ghaghara River, also called the Karmali River, is another significant river in the region.
  4. Gandak River: The Gandak River, also known as the Narayani River, flows through parts of Bihar, including Bhagalpur.
  5. Chanan River-: An important river which flows through Bhagalpur and Banka Districts of Bihar, the adjoining area is known as Chanan Basin and is famous for the Katarni Rice.

Notable people

Regional/Zonal offices in Bhagalpur

Bhagalpur Media

  • Greater Adjutant stork in breeding plumage, perched on a tree close to its nest.

  • Kali Puja celebration in Bhagalpur

  • Manasa Puja at Deepnagar Chowk, Bhagalpur.

  • Behula and Lakhinder at Champanagar Manasa Temple, Bhagalpur.

  • Mahashay Deori, Champanagar, Bhagalpur.

  • Budhanath Temple, one of 108 Nath temples in India mentioned in Shiva Purana

  • The tallest statue of Lord Vasupujya, Champapur

  • Barari Old Sidhi Ghat and Temple.png

    Radha Krishna Mandir and Barari Old Sidhi Ghat

  • Budhanath Ghat.jpg

    Budhanath Ghat (Night View)

References

  1. ↑ "Bhagalpur: The Silk City". Outlook India. 16 June 2017. https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/ot-getaway-guides/bhagalpur-silk-city/. Retrieved 29 September 2019. 
  2. ↑ "Welcome to Bhagalpur Municipal Corporation(BMC)". bhagalpurnagarnigam.in. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  3. ↑ "Geographic coordinates of Bhagalpur, India. Latitude, longitude, and elevation above sea level of Bhagalpur". Dateandtime.info. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above" (PDF). Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "52nd REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LINGUISTIC MINORITIES IN INDIA" (PDF). nclm.nic.in. Ministry of Minority Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  6. ↑ Masica, Colin P. (9 September 1993). The Indo-Aryan Languages. Cambridge University Press. p. 12. ISBN 978-0-521-29944-2.
  7. ↑ "BHAGALPUR Pin Code - 812001, Jagdishpur All Post Office Areas PIN Codes, Search BHAGALPUR Post Office Address". ABP. https://news.abplive.com/pincode/bihar/bhagalpur/bhagalpur-pincode-812001.html. Retrieved 18 July 2022. 
  8. ↑ "मां विषहरी पूजा: बिहुला विषहरी की गाथा का साक्षी है अंग का इतिहास" (in hi). Hindustan. 17 August 2019. https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/bhagalpur/story-history-of-angh-mother-vishahari-worship-and-bihula-is-a-witness-of-vishahari-worship-2693163.html. Retrieved 18 August 2022. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Rescue and Rehabilitation centre was opened in Bhagalpur". Prabhat Khabar. Archived from the original on 21 July 2015.
  10. ↑ "World's third nestling spot for the 'Leptoptilos dubius' "Garuda"species is in Bhagalpur, Bihar". theweekendleader. Archived from the original on 21 July 2015.
  11. ↑ District Census Handbook Bhagalpur Part-A (PDF). Bhagalpur: Directorate of Census Operations, Bihar.
  12. ↑ "India - C-01: Population by religious community, Bihar - 2011". censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  13. ↑ Suman, Chandan; Kiran, Jyoti; Kumar, Sujeet (2023). "Angika Territory: Unraveling Geographical Extent and Linguistic Identity". Talent Publication. 1 (1). doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.13307.69926. ISSN 2583-9985. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  14. ↑ Buchanan, Francis (1939). An Account of the District of Bhagalpur in 1810–11. Patna: Bihar and Orissa Research Society. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  15. ↑ Kumar, Abhishek (6 November 2021). "Kali Puja 2021 भागलपुर में आज परबती की बुढिय़ा काली सहित 85 प्रतिमाओं की निकलेगी भव्‍य विसर्जन यात्रा - Kali Puja 2021: In Bhagalpur today 85 idols including Kali of Parbati will be immersed" (in hi). Jagran. https://www.jagran.com/bihar/bhagalpur-kali-puja-2021-in-bhagalpur-today-85-idols-including-kali-of-parbati-will-be-immersed-22181526.html. Retrieved 22 July 2023. 
  16. ↑ "अंग माता विषहरी की पूजा का इतिहास: बिहुला बनीं साक्षी". Live Hindustan (in हिन्दी). 16 August 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  17. ↑ Sunil (17 August 2019). "मां विषहरी पूजा: बिहुला विषहरी की गाथा का साक्षी है अंग का इतिहास" (in hi). Hindustan. https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/bhagalpur/story-history-of-angh-mother-vishahari-worship-and-bihula-is-a-witness-of-vishahari-worship-2693163.html. Retrieved 22 July 2023. 
  18. ↑ "Neha Sharma | Actresses". Koimoi.com. 20 June 2014. Archived from the original on 4 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
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