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Bhagalpur Champanagri Bhaugulpore | |
|---|---|
City | |
 Ghantaghar (clocktower)  Maharishi Mehi Aashram  Ruins ofVikramshila Mahavihara | |
| Nickname: The Silk City[1] | |
  Bhagalpur Location of Bhagalpur in Bihar Show map of Bihar Bhagalpur Bhagalpur (India) Show map of India | |
| Coordinates:25°15′N87°0′E / 25.250°N 87.000°E /25.250; 87.000 | |
| Country |  India |
| State |  Bihar |
| District | Bhagalpur |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipal Corporation |
| • Body | Bhagalpur Municipal Corporation |
| • Mayor | Basundhara Lal (BJP) |
| • Municipal commissioner | Nitin Kumar Singh (IAS) |
| Area | |
• Total | 218.28 km2 (84.28 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 52 m (171 ft) |
| Population (2011)[4] | |
• Total | 410,210 |
| • Density | 1,879.3/km2 (4,867.3/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Bhagalpuri |
| Language | |
| • Official | Hindi[5] |
| • Additional official | Urdu[5] |
| • Regional | Angika[6] |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Postal Index Number | 812001-81XXXX[7] |
| STD Code | 0641 |
| Vehicle registration | BR-10 |
| Website | bhagalpur |
Bhagalpur (official and romanised name),[8] historically known asChampa Nagari,[9] is a city in theIndian state ofBihar, situated on the southern bank of theGanges river. It is thethird largest city of Bihar by population and also serves the headquarters ofBhagalpur district,Bhagalpur division, andEastern Range.[10] It is known as theSilk City and also listed for development under theSmart Cities Mission byGovernment of India.It is the only district in Bihar after capital city Patna where three major higher educational institutionsIIIT Bhagalpur,Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College,TMBU, andAgriculture University (BAU)[11] are located and alsoVikramshila Central University is under construction next to the ruins of the medievalVikramshila Mahavihara.[12]Bhagalpur Railway Station serves the city. The river around the city is home to theGangetic dolphin, the national aquatic animal of India,[13] and theVikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is established near the town. The city holds the largestManasa Puja and one of the largest processions inKali Puja, an intangible cultural heritage of the region.[14]
Greater adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius), a member of thestork family, associated with the mythical birdGaruda, has a Rescue and Rehabilitation area located in Bhagalpur, the second largest of its kind. Loss of nesting habitat and feeding sites through drainage,pollution and disturbance, together with hunting and egg collection, caused a massive dip in the population of the species. Garuda birds were first spotted nesting and breeding on a silk cotton tree near a village in theGanga-Diara area in Bhagalpur in 2007. In May 2006, 42 birds were seen by the Mandar Nature Club team for the first time. Prior to this, the species had never been seen inBihar during its breeding period. Four years after these endangered birds of the stork family started nesting andbreeding in Bhagalpur district, their number eventually increased, from 78 to over 500,[15] making Bhagalpur one of only three places to host Garudas; the others beingCambodia and Assam.[16]
Thegreater adjutant is classified as endangered on theIUCN Red List 2004 of threatened species and listed under Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This huge stork has a naked pink head, a very thick yellow bill and a low-hanging neck pouch. The neck ruff is white. The bird looks like a vulture. Other than the pale grey edge on each wing, the rest of the greater adjutant's body is dark grey. Younglings have a narrower bill, thicker down on the head and neck, and entirely dark wings. A Garuda bird measures 145–150 cm (about three feet) in length and four to five feet in height.[17]
| Climate data for Bhagalpur (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2020) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 31.9 (89.4) | 35.8 (96.4) | 43.2 (109.8) | 45.3 (113.5) | 46.4 (115.5) | 46.0 (114.8) | 42.3 (108.1) | 39.7 (103.5) | 38.6 (101.5) | 40.0 (104.0) | 37.4 (99.3) | 32.2 (90.0) | 46.4 (115.5) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 21.5 (70.7) | 26.6 (79.9) | 32.8 (91.0) | 37.4 (99.3) | 37.4 (99.3) | 36.0 (96.8) | 33.3 (91.9) | 33.3 (91.9) | 32.8 (91.0) | 32.3 (90.1) | 28.7 (83.7) | 23.7 (74.7) | 31.3 (88.3) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 12.2 (54.0) | 15.8 (60.4) | 20.7 (69.3) | 24.6 (76.3) | 26.5 (79.7) | 27.4 (81.3) | 27.3 (81.1) | 27.3 (81.1) | 26.6 (79.9) | 24.3 (75.7) | 19.2 (66.6) | 14.4 (57.9) | 22.0 (71.6) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 4.2 (39.6) | 5.0 (41.0) | 10.8 (51.4) | 13.1 (55.6) | 14.5 (58.1) | 19.5 (67.1) | 22.4 (72.3) | 20.1 (68.2) | 21.5 (70.7) | 15.4 (59.7) | 11.1 (52.0) | 3.9 (39.0) | 3.9 (39.0) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 12.3 (0.48) | 9.9 (0.39) | 11.2 (0.44) | 25.4 (1.00) | 84.1 (3.31) | 176.2 (6.94) | 294.5 (11.59) | 239.1 (9.41) | 223.3 (8.79) | 75.2 (2.96) | 4.9 (0.19) | 5.6 (0.22) | 1,161.6 (45.73) |
| Average rainy days | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 4.5 | 8.0 | 13.9 | 11.5 | 9.6 | 3.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 56.6 |
| Averagerelative humidity (%)(at 17:30IST) | 73 | 61 | 50 | 48 | 57 | 68 | 78 | 78 | 77 | 73 | 69 | 73 | 67 |
| Source:India Meteorological Department[18][19][20] | |||||||||||||
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1872 | 65,377 | — |
| 1881 | 68,238 | +4.4% |
| 1891 | 69,106 | +1.3% |
| 1901 | 75,760 | +9.6% |
| 1911 | 74,349 | −1.9% |
| 1921 | 68,878 | −7.4% |
| 1931 | 83,847 | +21.7% |
| 1941 | 93,254 | +11.2% |
| 1951 | 114,530 | +22.8% |
| 1961 | 143,850 | +25.6% |
| 1971 | 172,202 | +19.7% |
| 1981 | 225,062 | +30.7% |
| 1991 | 253,225 | +12.5% |
| 2001 | 340,767 | +34.6% |
| 2011 | 400,146 | +17.4% |
| Source: District Census Handbook[21] | ||
As of the 2011 Indiacensus, the Bhagalpur Urban Agglomeration has a population of 410,210, of which 218,284 were males and 191,926 were females. It is the 3rd largest city in Bihar in terms of urban population. The total population in the age group of 0 to 6 years is 55,898. The total number of literates are 286,125, with 160,720 males and 125,405 females. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population is 80.76%, of which while the male literacy rate is 84.95% with women at 75.95%.[4]
Hinduism is the majority religion in Bhagalpur City with about 70% of the population following it, than followed byIslam with 29% adherants. It also has a small minority ofJains andChristians.[22]
Bhagalpur is a geographical landmark, which is at the convergence of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Historically, the capital of Anga Pradesh and a nation of independence by Tilkamanjhi, it has been a land of emerging languages and cultures. A fair numbers of Biharis, Bengalis, Marwaris, Muslims, Santhalis, Pahadiyas, etc reside in the region, making it a language and cultural hub.
However,Angika language is primarily spoken in the district.[23] Apart from Angika,Hindi,Bengali,Urdu andSanthali are prominent languages of the region.[24] It is a multilingual district and has been a centre of development for many languages during the ancient era in the Vikramshila University.
Bhagalpur has a long lasting legacy of rich culture and traditions. The ancient city of Champanagari is known for its silk industry and Trade. The city has richness in its festival, art, food and trade. The "Aangi" or "Angika" culture is followed in this region. It also is a homeland of multicultural community. Being one of the important centres of Anga, then Bengal and now Bihar, it has grasped, respected and promoted the cultures and traditions and thus has empowered and maintained its richness.
Kali Puja is one of the most important festivals in and around the region. Several Kali Temples and Puja Mandaps are decked up on Deepawali to worship Kalika. The procession after the Puja is so long that it takes 36 hours to complete one big phase of Murti Bisarjan. The Shobhayatra of Bhagalpur Kali Puja celebrated its 71st year in 2024.[25] Kali Puja holds the cultural significance of the Anga Region. The procession after the Puja is the intangible cultural asset to the city.[26][27]
Manasa or Popularly known as "Bishari Puja" is a folk festival of Bhagalpur, started fromChampapuri , the capital city of Anga Mahajanapada. The festival celebrates the renunciation of the Guardian Goddess, Maa Mansa. The city also commemorates the wedding of Behula and Lakhinder every year during puja.[28]
In medievalBengali literature, Mansamangal, Behula is projected as heroine and a goddess. In the period from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century, many works based on this story were made. The religious purpose of these works was to render the importance of goddessManasa,[29] but these works are more known for the pious love of Behula and her husband Lakhander (Lakhindar or Lakshinder). Local women sings folk song inAngika and offerManjusha to the Goddess. However, this is not just a mythological story, the evidence of the metal house created byVishvakarma on order of Chand Saudagar for Behula and her husband Lakhender to protect from snake bite is still seen and reported when there is heavy rain in the region.[30]
Saraswati Puja is another big festival celebrated with full zest and enthusiasm. It is celebrated on "Basant Panchami" which is locally called "Shree Panchami". It worships Maa Bagdevi, the goddess of knowledge, art and all sciences. The city goes artistic and is decked up with Pandals and lightings welcoming the beloved deity of the students, teachers and artisans.[31]
Durga Puja is celebrated in Bhagalpur with great pomp and show. Both Aangi- Bihari and Bengali community celebrates the puja with great enthusiasm. The puja Pandals are decked up by Shasthi and idols of the Goddess is installed by Vedic chants and "Belbhorni Puja". Some of the prominent puja communities includes Mahashay Deori,[32] which dates back to more than 400 years of celebration, Jubak Sangha, Sarkarbari, Kalibari, Durga Bari, Hind-e-Yuva club, Satkar Club, Housing Board colony, etc. It is the time when localites buy new clothes, visits Pandals, eat delicacies and enjoy with friends and families.
Chhath puja, like the rest of the Bihar, is celebrated with great devotion in Bhagalpur. The festival is prominent as Bhagalpur is a city on the banks of river Ganga. Devotees throng here to worship "Goddess Shasthi" or "Chhathi maiya" and "Surya".
Bisua or Baisakkha marks the new beginning in Anga region. It is a new year festivity celebrated during 14–15 April every year. It is the welcoming of summer. On Bisua, locals install holy pitchers with mango leaves and a raw mango on the top, and keep it at Puja Ghar, temples, above tulsi plant and Shivilinga. Lots of delicacies like Daal Puri, Raspua, Thekua, Daal paratha, Guramma (sweet and tangy raw mango chutney), Bari jhol, Bhaat etc are made and eaten. Barley Sattu, Jaggery, Raw mango and seasonal fruits are offered to the Gods. The next day, cooking is avoided and "Paniyota Bhaat" (similar to Panta bhaat of Bengal and Pakhala of Odisha) is consumed. Sweets and fruits are distributed and a lavish meal usually Fish or Mutton. is prepared at night. It is similar to "Satuani" of Purvanchal region, "Jur Shital" of Mithilanchal, "Pohela Boisakh" of Bengal, "Mahabisuba Sankranti" of Odisha, etc.
Vikramshila Mahavihara's ruins has been excavated at Antichak village in Bhagalpur. It was established byEmperor Dharmapala of thePala Empire. It was an international centre of learning that focussed on multiple fields of knowledge, including Tantricism. It was considered at par withNalanda university as it was a flourishing university.[33] However, Bhaktiyar Khilji destroyed it and left it to ashes and ruins. It has been recently recognised by the government with the excavation at the site.
Mansa Mandir, situated in the old quarters of Champanagar locality is one of the important pilgrimage sites of the city. Dedicated to Goddess Bishari (Mansa), this site is believed to be the place where Chandradhar Saudagar offered puja to the Goddess for the first time.[34] Every year, during 16–18 August, thousands of devotees throng here to commemorate the wedding of Behula and Lakhinder. The temple replicated the scene of Behula- Bishari gatha during the festival. Large sized Manjusha[35] are offered to the Goddess and is submerged in the holy Champa river, near the temple.
Spread over three acresBudhanath Temple is located on the banks of theUttarvahini Ganga (flowing from south to north) River. Being one of the oldest temples in the region, it witnesses influx of devotees throughout the year. It is about twenty minutes from the main town. Reference of Baba Budhanath can be found inShiva Purana as Baba Bal Vridheshwarnath. Also, this name has been stated in the first segment of the eighth segments ofShiva Purana. The lingam of this place of worship is self-incarnated nevertheless as to when it came into being is still unknown. Idol of Ma Bhavani can be seen beside the Shivalinga orLingam.[36]
Champapur is an ancient and historic Teerth Kshetra ofJainism. It is the place where all the five Kalyanaks i.e., Garbha, Janam, Tapa, KevalGyan and Moksha Kalyanak of BhagwanVasupujya, the 12th Jain Teerthankar, have taken place. Champapur was the capital ofAnga Janpada, one of the 52Janapadas established by Adi Teerthankar Bhagwan Rishabh Deo. Champapur also existed asMahajanapada among the sixMahajanapadas during the time of BhagwanMahavira Swami.[citation needed]
The three Chaturmas of BhagwanMahavira Swami during his Dikshakal, religious propagation centre ofAnga-Banga-Magadh-Vaishali, test of modesty of Sati Subhadra and Anantmati, Aahardan to Bhagwan Mahaveer Swami by Sati Chandan Bala have taken place in Champapur. Champapur is also related to great stories of 'origin of Harivansha, Shripal-Mainasundari, Shri Dharma Ghosh Muni, KingKarna ofMahabharata, King Mudrak and great architectVishvakarman’.[37]
The main temple of Champapur Siddha Kshetra is quite ancient (about 2500 years). This temple being symbolic of 'Panch Kalyanaka' is adorned with 5 altars, magnificent spire and 2 columns of fame. It is said that there were 4 'Columns of Fame (Keerti Stambha)’ which existed in four corners of the campus of the temple. Later on the 2 out of 4 were destroyed in the earthquake of year 1934 and repair (Jirnoddhar) of other 2 columns was done in 1938. The 'Columns of Fame' are about 2200 years old.[38]
Founded in 1577 AD, the Khanqah-e-Shahbazia is one of the most revered shrines of Bhagalpur. It houses the grave of Maulana Shahbaz, a saint whose 13th-generation descendants still run the place.[39]Maulana Shahbaz Rahmatullah is considered one of the 40 Sufi saints sent to spread the message of Allah. TheSajjadah Nasheen (direct descendant of the saint) is supposed to spend his life within the confines of the Khanqah and take care of its management, lead prayers and offer spiritual services. It is said that they are exempted from appearing in a court of law.
The Mosque was built byAurangzeb and was frequently visited by him. Every Thursday, visitors assemble at the place to be blessed. Most of the visitors are said to be from the eastern parts of India and Bangladesh. There is a belief that the water in a pond here has medicinal qualities that can cure illness and snake bites.Archeological Survey of India has discovered some ancient manuscripts from the basement of Khanqah e Shahbazia.
The Khanqah is also famous for its library, which has a vast collection of Arabic and Persian theological texts, including a copy of theQur’an transcribed byMurshid Quli Khan, the Nawab of Murshidabad, Bengal.[39]
The ghats of Bhagalpur are riverfront steps and embankments situated along the banks of the Ganga River in the Bhagalpur district. These ghats serve as important cultural, spiritual, and social spaces, playing a vital role in the daily lives of residents. They are especially significant during major Hindu festivals such asShravani Mela ,Chhath Puja,Maghi Purnima,Shravan Somvari, andMakar Sankranti, when thousands gather for ritual bathing, prayers, and offerings to "Surya".[40][41]
The most prominent ghats in Bhagalpur, ranked by religious significance, crowd density during major festivals like Chhath Puja and Sawan, and cultural heritage, includeBarari Pul Ghat, which remains the largest and most frequented;Budhanath Ghat, closely linked with the historic Budhanath Temple; andBarari Sidhi Ghat, known for its grand staircase and proximity to the Radha Krishna octagonal temple. Other important ghats areKhanjarpur Ghat ( SM College Ghat),Hanuman Ghat with its old temple heritage, andManik Sarkar Ghat, which is particularly crowded during Shravan. Additionally,Pipli Dham Ghat,Jogsar Ghat,Khirni Ghat, and the emergingBabupur Ghat (now part of the urban zone after city expansion) also hold notable significance for ritual bathing and religious gatherings. These ghats collectively reflect the devotional and historical richness of the Ganga riverfront in Bhagalpur.[42][43]
There are many rivers which cross the Bhagalpur Border. They are:-
Print media include the HindiDainik Jagran,Dainik Bhaskar,Aaj,Hindustan (underHindustan Times) andPrabhat Khabar; the UrduThe Inquilab[44] andTaasir, while EnglishTimes of India,The Telegraph andHindustan Times are also available.
Broadcast media includeAll India Radio (Frequency 1458 kHz, 1206 kHz) 90.4 FM Radio Active (Bhagalpur), and AIR FM Rainbow India 100.1.M, sadhna plus news channel
Telecommunications services includeBSNL,Airtel,Vodafone Idea,Reliance Jio.
Airtel,Jio,BSNL andSify are providing broadband services in this region.
Bhagalpur travel guide from Wikivoyage| International | |
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