Bihar, nestled in the heart of India, is a state bursting with lively cultures, historical landmarks, and delicious food. It’s a place where history is not just found in books but is part of everyday life.Did you know Bihar is one of the oldest places where people have lived? The capital city, Patna, was once known as Pataliputra, the heart of many ancient empires like the Maurya and Gupta dynasties. This state has seen the rise and fall of great rulers, leaving behind stories that feel like stepping into a time machine.Bihar is also famous for its religious significance. It’s the birthplace of Buddhism, with Lord Buddha himself finding enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. This small town in Bihar draws thousands of visitors from across the world, who come to meditate and marvel at the beautiful Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.One of the most special events in Bihar is Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Unlike most festivals, which are full of noise and colour, Chhath Puja is all about quiet and thoughtful rituals. People fast, offer prayers to the Sun, and stand in water for hours to purify themselves and give thanks. It’s more than just a celebration; it’s a deeply rooted tradition that shows the spiritual depth of Bihar’s people.Bihar’s food is as rich as its history. The typical meal includes roti, rice, dal, vegetables, and meat dishes, all bursting with flavours that warm the heart. You must try Litti Chokha, made of baked dough balls filled with spicy roasted chickpea flour and served with mashed potatoes and roasted aubergine. Don’t miss the sweets either! Thekua, eaten during festivals, and Khaja, crispy layers soaked in sugar syrup, are favourites among locals and visitors.The ancient Nalanda University, which started in the 5th century, was one of the first places in the world where students lived and studied together. Scholars from all over the globe came to learn here. Though it’s in ruins now, the spirit of Nalanda lives on in a new university that aims to bring back the glory of those times.Nature lovers will find their paradise in Bihar at places like Valmiki National Park. Located in the northwest of the state, it’s home to wildlife like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian rhinoceros, and various deer species. It’s perfect for safaris and bird watching, showing Bihar’s commitment to protecting its beautiful natural surroundings.Bihar’s art scene is vibrant and tells stories of its own. Madhubani painting, famous worldwide, is a traditional form practised mainly by women in the Mithila region of Bihar. These paintings, full of intricate patterns and bright colours, often depict folklore, mythology, and daily life. They’re not just beautiful; they’re a way for the artists to share their thoughts, dreams, and history. Birthplace of BuddhismBihar is where Buddhism originated. The Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, making this place one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide.Ancient universityNalanda University in Bihar was one of the world’s first residential universities, attracting students and scholars from as far as Tibet, China, Korea, and Central Asia around 1,500 years ago.Land of inventionsThe concept of zero was first used by the mathematician Aryabhata who was born in Bihar.A linguistic contributionBihar gave the Hindi language its name. The word "Hindi" is derived from the Persian word 'Hind', meaning ‘land of the Indus River,’ and was first used by Persian-speaking Turks who invaded India from the north.Home of civil servicesMany of India's top bureaucrats come from Bihar, making it a significant contributor to the country’s administrative framework.Festival of ChhathBihar is famous for the festival of Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God, which is celebrated with fervor across the state. It’s unique to the region and symbolizes thanksgiving to the Sun God for sustaining life on earth.Rich in mineralsBihar is rich in minerals, and it used to be a major producer of mica globally. Although mining has reduced over the years, the state still has ample reserves of coal and mica.Gandhi’s Satyagraha The Champaran movement in Bihar marked the beginning of Gandhi's Satyagraha movement in India. It was initiated to support farmers aggrieved by oppressive policies forcing them to grow indigo instead of food crops.A literary hubThe state is the birthplace of several prominent Hindi writers, such as Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and Phanishwar Nath Renu, who have played pivotal roles in shaping modern Indian literature.Architectural marvelsBihar houses many historical monuments, with the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also has the ruins of the ancient city of Vikramshila, which was once the center for Tantric Buddhism..FACTBOXLocation: Eastern India, with Patna as its capitalLanguages: Primarily Hindi, Maithili, and BhojpuriPopulation: Approximately 104 millionFamous For: Birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism; ancient Nalanda UniversityCultural highlights: Celebrates Chhath Puja, unique to the regionEconomy: Significant agricultural sector, known for vegetable and fruit productionTourist attractions: Bodh Gaya, Patna Museum, Madhubani paintings.Geography: Bordered by Nepal to the north; the Ganges River runs through the state.
Bihar, nestled in the heart of India, is a state bursting with lively cultures, historical landmarks, and delicious food. It’s a place where history is not just found in books but is part of everyday life.Did you know Bihar is one of the oldest places where people have lived? The capital city, Patna, was once known as Pataliputra, the heart of many ancient empires like the Maurya and Gupta dynasties. This state has seen the rise and fall of great rulers, leaving behind stories that feel like stepping into a time machine.Bihar is also famous for its religious significance. It’s the birthplace of Buddhism, with Lord Buddha himself finding enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. This small town in Bihar draws thousands of visitors from across the world, who come to meditate and marvel at the beautiful Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.One of the most special events in Bihar is Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Unlike most festivals, which are full of noise and colour, Chhath Puja is all about quiet and thoughtful rituals. People fast, offer prayers to the Sun, and stand in water for hours to purify themselves and give thanks. It’s more than just a celebration; it’s a deeply rooted tradition that shows the spiritual depth of Bihar’s people.Bihar’s food is as rich as its history. The typical meal includes roti, rice, dal, vegetables, and meat dishes, all bursting with flavours that warm the heart. You must try Litti Chokha, made of baked dough balls filled with spicy roasted chickpea flour and served with mashed potatoes and roasted aubergine. Don’t miss the sweets either! Thekua, eaten during festivals, and Khaja, crispy layers soaked in sugar syrup, are favourites among locals and visitors.The ancient Nalanda University, which started in the 5th century, was one of the first places in the world where students lived and studied together. Scholars from all over the globe came to learn here. Though it’s in ruins now, the spirit of Nalanda lives on in a new university that aims to bring back the glory of those times.Nature lovers will find their paradise in Bihar at places like Valmiki National Park. Located in the northwest of the state, it’s home to wildlife like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian rhinoceros, and various deer species. It’s perfect for safaris and bird watching, showing Bihar’s commitment to protecting its beautiful natural surroundings.Bihar’s art scene is vibrant and tells stories of its own. Madhubani painting, famous worldwide, is a traditional form practised mainly by women in the Mithila region of Bihar. These paintings, full of intricate patterns and bright colours, often depict folklore, mythology, and daily life. They’re not just beautiful; they’re a way for the artists to share their thoughts, dreams, and history. Birthplace of BuddhismBihar is where Buddhism originated. The Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, making this place one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide.Ancient universityNalanda University in Bihar was one of the world’s first residential universities, attracting students and scholars from as far as Tibet, China, Korea, and Central Asia around 1,500 years ago.Land of inventionsThe concept of zero was first used by the mathematician Aryabhata who was born in Bihar.A linguistic contributionBihar gave the Hindi language its name. The word "Hindi" is derived from the Persian word 'Hind', meaning ‘land of the Indus River,’ and was first used by Persian-speaking Turks who invaded India from the north.Home of civil servicesMany of India's top bureaucrats come from Bihar, making it a significant contributor to the country’s administrative framework.Festival of ChhathBihar is famous for the festival of Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God, which is celebrated with fervor across the state. It’s unique to the region and symbolizes thanksgiving to the Sun God for sustaining life on earth.Rich in mineralsBihar is rich in minerals, and it used to be a major producer of mica globally. Although mining has reduced over the years, the state still has ample reserves of coal and mica.Gandhi’s Satyagraha The Champaran movement in Bihar marked the beginning of Gandhi's Satyagraha movement in India. It was initiated to support farmers aggrieved by oppressive policies forcing them to grow indigo instead of food crops.A literary hubThe state is the birthplace of several prominent Hindi writers, such as Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and Phanishwar Nath Renu, who have played pivotal roles in shaping modern Indian literature.Architectural marvelsBihar houses many historical monuments, with the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also has the ruins of the ancient city of Vikramshila, which was once the center for Tantric Buddhism..FACTBOXLocation: Eastern India, with Patna as its capitalLanguages: Primarily Hindi, Maithili, and BhojpuriPopulation: Approximately 104 millionFamous For: Birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism; ancient Nalanda UniversityCultural highlights: Celebrates Chhath Puja, unique to the regionEconomy: Significant agricultural sector, known for vegetable and fruit productionTourist attractions: Bodh Gaya, Patna Museum, Madhubani paintings.Geography: Bordered by Nepal to the north; the Ganges River runs through the state.
