MAIN FESTIVAL
Bihar is a culturally rich state in India with a diverse range of festivals celebrated with
enthusiasm and devotion. Here are some of the main festivals of Biha
Chhath Puja:
This four-day festival, dedicated to the Sun God, is a major celebration in Bihar, particularly
among those of Hindu faith. It's known for its devotion, reverence, and the unique tradition
of worshipping the rising and setting sun.
Makar Sankranti:
This harvest festival marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn and is
celebrated with the eating of til (sesame seeds) and chura (flattened rice).
Holi:
This vibrant festival of colors is a major celebration across India, including Bihar, where it is
known for its playful atmosphere and the exchange of colored powder.
Buddha Jayanti:
This festival marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha and is celebrated with
prayers and religious gatherings.
Sonepur cattle fair
This is one of Asia's largest cattle fairs, attracting traders and visitors from across the
region, and is a significant cultural event.
Rajgir Mahotsav:
This festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Rajgir through various artistic
performances and events.
Other Regional Festivals:
Pitrapaksha Mela, Bihula Puja, Sama Chakeva, and various local fairs.
MAIN CROPS
Principal food crops are paddy, wheat, maize and pulses.
Main cash crops are sugarcane, potato, tobacco, oilseeds,
onion, chillies and jute and. Bihar has notified forest area of
6,764.14 sq km, which is 7.1 per cent of its geographical area.
Here's a more detailed look:
Foodgrains:
Rice, wheat, and maize are the major cereal crops, with Bihar being
among the top 5 rice and wheat producers in the country.
Pulses:
Arhar, urad, moong, gram, pea, lentils, and khesari are also
cultivated in Bihar.
Vegetables:
Bihar is a major producer of vegetables, with potato, onion,
eggplant, and cauliflower being prominent.
Cash Crops:
Sugarcane and jute are major cash crops in the state.
Fruits:
Bihar is known for its fruit products, including litchi, mango, and
banana. It is the largest producer of litchi and the third largest
producer of pineapple in the country.
Bihar's agricultural operations are divided into two crop seasons:
Kharif (third week of May to end of October) and Rabi (October-
November to March-April). The Zaid season, between Rabi and
Kharif, is primarily for producing fruits.
MONUMENTS OF BIHAR
Here are some famous monuments of Bihar, known for their historical, cultural, and architectural
significance:
Ancient & Historical Monuments
1. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
o UNESCO World Heritage Site
o Built at the site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment
o Famous for its large pyramidal spire and sacred Bodhi tree
2. Nalanda University Ruins
o One of the oldest residential universities in the world (5th century)
o Important center of learning in ancient India
o Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site
3. Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
o A sacred Hindu temple believed to have Lord Vishnu’s footprint
o Built in black granite, on the banks of the Phalgu River
4. Barabar Caves, Jehanabad
o Oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India (Mauryan period, 3rd century BCE)
o Associated with Jain and Buddhist monks
5. Sher Shah Suri Tomb, Sasaram
o Grand mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri (Afghan ruler of India)
o Built in Indo-Islamic architectural style, surrounded by water
🕌 Islamic Monuments
6. Maner Sharif, Patna
o A famous Sufi shrine
o Mausoleum of Sufi saint Hazrat Makhdoom Yahya Maneri
7. Choti Dargah, Maner
o Built in Mughal architectural style
o Mausoleum of Makhdum Shah Daulat
🏰 Colonial and Other Monuments
8. Golghar, Patna
o Built in 1786 by British to store grain
o Unique beehive-shaped structure with spiral staircase
9. Patna Museum
o Houses artifacts from ancient Bihar, including Mauryan and Gupta periods
o Known locally as Jadu Ghar
10. Kargil Chowk, Patna
War memorial to honor the soldiers of the Kargil War (1999)
A place of patriotism and remembrance
Dresses of Bihar
The traditional attire of Bihar for men typically consists of a dhoti (a
long piece of cloth wrapped around the waist) and a kurta (a long
tunic). Women traditionally wear a saree, draped around the body
and paired with a blouse and petticoat. Salwar-kameez is also
commonly worn by women in urban areas.
Men:
Dhoti: A traditional Indian garment for men, often made of cotton and
worn wrapped around the waist.
Kurta: A long tunic or shirt, often worn over the dhoti.
Chapkan/Angarkha: Older versions of kurtas, which were robes
fastened on the right or left.
Sherwani: A long, loose-fitting coat worn on special occasions.
Gamchha: A plaid-like garment, sometimes worn as a turban or
headscarf, or draped over the shoulders.
Women:
Saree:
A long, flowing cloth draped around the body, typically paired with a
blouse and petticoat.
Salwar-Kameez:
A popular alternative to the saree in urban areas, consisting of a
long tunic (kameez) and loose trousers (salwar).
Salwar-kameez:
A more modern dress for women, worn in the urban areas of Bihar.
Chaapa:
A traditional Bihari bridal dress, often featuring silver block prints,
and is also worn by brides during the Nikah ceremony.
