Bhagalpur, historically known as Champa Nagari, is a city located in the Indian state of Bihar on the southern bank of the Ganges river. It serves as the headquarters for the Bhagalpur district, Bhagalpur division, and Eastern Range. As the third largest city in Bihar by population, it is recognized as the "Silk City" and has been selected for development under the Government of India's Smart Cities Mission.
The city is a significant educational hub, being the only district in Bihar outside of Patna to host three major higher educational institutions: IIIT Bhagalpur, TMBU, and Agriculture University (BAU). Additionally, Vikramshila Central University is currently under construction near the ruins of the medieval Vikramshila Mahavihara. The city is also connected by the Bhagalpur Railway Station.
Bhagalpur holds cultural and ecological importance as the site of the largest Manasa Puja and one of the region's largest Kali Puja processions. Environmentally, the nearby Ganges river is home to the Gangetic dolphin, India's national aquatic animal, and the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary has been established near the town.