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Introduction
Bihar gets its name from the Sanskrit word "Vihara," which means "monastery," since the region was once a major Buddhist learning centre. It has been ruled by a number of great empires and is known for its glorious history. The Ganga's vast and deep flow enriches the plains of Bihar before dispersing into Bengal's deltoid region.
 
Bihar is the third-largest state in terms of population and the twelfth-largest in terms of area. Bihar is bordered on the west by Uttar Pradesh, on the north by Nepal, on the east by the northern part of West Bengal, and on the south by Jharkhand.
 
Bihar has one of the most interesting histories of any Indian state. The earliest evidence dates back to the epic Ramayana, when Sita was born in Mithila, Bihar. During the time around 400 BC, both Buddha and Mahavira preached in this province. Though Buddha founded Buddhism, Mahavira established Jainism, which spread throughout the world.
 
Bihar is an important tourist and pilgrimage destination. It was once considered India's most important seat of learning, culture, and strength. The state is best known for its Buddhist circuit, but it also has a number of interesting places to visit. People come from all over the world to see Bihar's heritage and culture.
 
For Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Islam, Bihar is one of the holiest places on the planet. Bihar is also home to the Mahabodhi Temple, a Buddhist shrine and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the early 1980s, the Mahatma Gandhi Setu in Patna was regarded as one of the world's longest river bridges.
 
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Bihar Heritage and Culture Tour

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Temple Tour Of Odisha with Bihar and North

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Splendid Jharkhand and Bihar with West Bengal Tour

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Short Escape Tour Of Bihar

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Explore Sundarban With Bihar Tour

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Enchanting Bihar With Kolkata and Sundarban

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Bihar Jain Temple Tour

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The Jain Temples of Bihar Tour

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Odisha, Bihar with North India Pilgrim Tour

Traditions and Culture
Bihar is one of the most powerful agricultural states in the country. Agriculture and animal husbandry support about 80% of the state's population, which is significantly higher than the national average. Bihar's people are a mix of religious communities who coexist and observe each other's customs and ceremonies. They've managed to keep their rich legacy alive. Hindus, Muslims, Jainists, Buddhists, and Christians make up the state's population. People in Bihar assist one another in their ceremonies and festivals, which strengthens the state's equality.
 
Hindi is the most widely spoken language in Bihar, but Urdu and Santali are also spoken. The official language of the state is Hindi, but it is also commonly spoken in Maithili, Bhojpuri, Angika, and Magahi.
 
In most cases, Biharis prefer their traditional attire, which includes the typical dhoti-kurta worn by men and sarees worn by women, as well as various styles of kameez-salwar worn on a daily basis. Their traditional saree-wearing practise, known as ‘seedha aanchal,' stands out and sets them apart from the rest.
Old people, regardless of their religion, have a common sense of fashion. For everyday needs, they wear traditional lungis (a form of petticoat for men) and pyjamas (loose trousers). Males' upper garments include kurtas (loose long cotton tops) and shirts. Paag, for example, is a turban worn by men to symbolise their status in Bihari society and is a special part of Mithila's dress.
 
Bihar has made significant contributions to Indian classical music. Bhikhari Thakur, also known as the Bhojpuri Shakespeare, Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, the famous ‘Shehnai Vadak', and Draupad singers Mishras and Malliks are some of Bihar's great musicians. In Bihar, there are many folk songs that are all about common people's lives, such as Sohar, Ropnigeet, Katnigeet, and Sumanga.
 
Bidesia is a traditional folk dance of Bihar that is more prevalent in the Bhojpuri speaking regions of the state. Chhau dance is very popular among tribal people. North Bihar's Jat-Jatin is well-known, and Bihar's Jijya is also well-known. In Bihar, there are several traditional painting styles that are common. Mithali Paintings are an Indian painting style common in Bihar, popularly also known as Madhubani painting.
 
Bihar's villages produce fascinating handicrafts. Fantastic bamboo articles, leather works, white metal statues, wooden toys, and cane and bamboo baskets are all readily available.
 
Sujini embroidery, Sikki Grass work, Yampuri Puppetry, Tikuli Work, Bangle making, stonework, wood inlay, Lacquerware, Pottery works, Bamboo works, and printed textiles are some of Bihar's most well-known crafts.
 
Fair and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Bihar:

Festivals are the crown jewel of Bihar, and each one has its own set of fascinating legends. Fasts, feasts, and folk songs are all part of the celebrations in this culturally connected state. Here are some of the major ones:

  • Chhath Puja: This is undoubtedly the state's most well-known festival. When one hears Chhath Puja, Bihar is the first thing that comes to mind. This is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, which takes place six days after Diwali. The individual who observes Chatth, also known as Parvati, observes a fast from dawn to dusk, which is followed by sweets. This fast is accompanied by a 36-hour fast before the final day, when puja begins before sunrise at the river. Thousands of devotees and the river can be seen at this time. Witnessing Chhath Puja allows you to see devotion in its purest form. It is an act of gratitude and a request for blessings from the Deity for the continuation of life on Earth.
  • Buddha Jayanti: Bodh Gaya is a unique pilgrimage site and one of Bihar's most popular tourist destinations. It is the site where Gautam Buddha attained salvation, which is why, during the month of March, devotees flock to the Mahabodhi Temple to commemorate Buddha Jayanti. It's enthralling to watch the procession begin at this temple and travel far and wide.
  • Ram Navmi: Ram navami is a major Hindu festival celebrated in Bihar with great fanfare. This festival commemorates the auspicious birth of Lord RAMA, the protagonist of the Ramayana. Fasts are observed, temples are decorated, and prayers are offered in his honour. People pray for the community's health and prosperity.
  • Sonepur Festival: Sonepur, 35 kilometres from Vaishali, is located at the confluence of the Ganges and Gandak rivers. The place hosts Asia's largest animal fair, which begins on the full moon day of Kartik (October/November). Sellers and buyers from all over the world come to conduct business here.
  • Makar Sankranti: Makar-Sankranti, also known as Tila Sankrant in Bihar, is a religious and mythological festival. Every year in January, Rajgir hosts the Makar Sankranti Mela. Devotees give flowers to the deities in temples and bathe in the holy water of hot springs during this festival.
  • Sama Chakeva: The Sama-Chakeva festival takes place during the winter, when birds migrate from the Himalayas to the plains. Mithila is the only place in the world where this festival is held. This festival commemorates the brother-sister bond by taking place as the colourful birds migrate into their homeland. It all begins with Sama and Chakeva, a pair of birds.
  • Diwali: Nothing compares to seeing the Diwali festivities in Bihar! If you visit during this period, you'll notice that each city has a colourful decoration and bustle going on. There will be a plethora of shops in Bihar selling some amazing handcrafted pieces at bargain rates, particularly for this occasion.
  • Bihula: Bihula is a major Hindu festival celebrated with a lot of fanfare in eastern Bihar. It is especially well-known in Bihar's Bhagalpur district. People pray to goddess Mansa for the community's health and prosperity, as well as a healthy harvest, during this festival.
  • Pitrapaksha Mela: The Pitrapaksha Mela, held in Gaya in September, draws visitors from all over the world. Everyone prays to God for a son who will give him pind daan (rice lymph) at Gaya. The 'Pind Daan' given here by the deceased's family is a must for the soul's moksha.
  • Rajgir Mahotsa: Rajgir Mahotsav is a dance and music festival that takes place every year. In the last week of October, a three-day event is held in Rajgir, Bihar, which is the ancient capital of the Magadha Empire. The festival, which is organised by Bihar's Tourism Department, is a cultural showcase of Bihar's diverse art forms, folk dances, and music.
  • Vaishali Festival: The Vaishali Festival is a Bihar festival that commemorates the auspicious birth of the Jain guru, the 24th Tirthankara, on March 22nd. These festivals help to break up the monotony of everyday life and foster social fraternity and brotherhood. They also highlight Bihar's cultural heritage.
 
Must Visit Place

Must Visiting Places in Bihar:

The rustic and contemporary places to visit in Bihar entice all types of visitors with their rich culture, colourful festivals, quaint temples, ancient monasteries, and old-world charm. Bihar's architecturally and religiously rich cities are full of common age-old attractions that entice visitors to discover these fine best-kept secrets. These top tourist attractions in Bihar are not to be missed:

  1. Bodh Gaya- It is possible to walk in the footsteps of the Buddha in Bihar, where he started his path to enlightenment. Bodhgaya is the world's most prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site, where the Buddha attained enlightenment when meditating under a bodhi tree. The spot is marked by the majestic Mahabodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  2. Nalanda- Nalanda, India's oldest university, must be visited while in Bihar. Nalanda will transport you to India's golden age, the Gupta and Pala dynasties. Nalanda is a popular tourist destination in Bihar and India because it is where Mahavira, the most famous Jain Tirthankara, spent 14 monsoons. Buddha is also said to have given his lectures in a mango grove in Nalanda, according to legend.
  3. Rajgir- Lord Buddha spent several years of his life and delivered sermons at this location. It is also known as the site of the first Buddhist Council. Rajgir, located at a convenient distance of 102 kilometres from Patna, is an important Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist pilgrimage site. Rajgir, or Rajgriha, was the capital of Magadh before Pataliputra (Patna).
  4. Patna- Patna, which thrives along the Ganges' southern banks and is surrounded by a glorious historical past, has a commanding presence in history and the distinction of being one of the world's oldest cities. Aside from being one of the most important and popular tourist destinations, it is also the capital city of the state.
  5. Vaishali- Another important Buddhist and Jain pilgrimage site is Vaishali. Lord Buddha often visited the large and prosperous region and preached his final sermon in nearby Kolhua. In the 3rd Century BCE, Emperor Ashoka commemorated the occasion by erecting one of his prominent lion pillars. Many people believe that Lord Mahavira, the 24th and final Jain teacher, was born in the region as well.
  6. Sasaram- Sasaram is the home of Sher Shah's grand and beautiful tomb; he was the man responsible for the construction of the Grand Trunk Road, which connects all of North India. The elegance of the location stems from the fact that the mausoleum is situated in a lovely lake and seems to float. Patna is just 148 kilometres away from Sasaram.
  7. Madhubani- Madhubani, a historic city in Bihar, is known for the district's dedication to art and culture. The city is famous for the world-famous Madhubani paintings, which originated here and are mentioned in the Ramayana.
  8. Gaya- Gaya, Bihar's second largest city, is mentioned in the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics. It was here that Lord Ram and Lakshman presented their father Dashrath with pind-daan. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, the goddess Gaya is revered. The age-old shrines, with their intricate carvings and paintings, elevate Gaya's beauty to new heights.
  9. Sonepur- The Sonepur Fair, which takes place every year, is a genuine rural fair that blends spirituality with elephant, cattle, and horse trading. It takes place in late November in Sonepur, which is about 45 minutes from Patna, the capital city. The Sonepur Fair, which was once known as a cattle fair, now has a more commercial focus, with the aim of attracting both domestic and foreign tourists.
  10. Bhagalpur- Vikramshila was established by the ruling King Dharampala in Bhagalpur, who was dissatisfied with the poor quality of Nalanda and decided to build Vikramshila as a replacement. Vikramshila, like Nalanda, is now in ruins, though it is currently being restored. Several Buddhist stupas and monasteries, as well as wall carvings, were discovered during the reconstruction process.
  11. Pawapuri- This eminent Indian state has once again unveiled a famous religious venue. This is where Lord Mahavira breathed his last breath before being cremated. Both Buddhists and Jains regard this as a holy spiritual site.
 

 

Cuisine
Bihar is known for its abundance of delicacies as well as its historical significance. Every food connoisseur's taste buds will be tingled by the scrumptious and exotic Bihari dishes. Here is a list of Bihari dishes that you must try. 
 
Some worth trying dishes are:
  • Litti Chokha: Litti Chokha is Bihar's regional dish, and it is its glory. Litti is a conventional recipe that dates back to the Magadha Kingdom and has increased in prominence due to its long shelf life and simple preparation process. Litti is a smoky-flavored wheat ball filled with Sattu which is roasted on a coal fire. It is healthy and high in protein. Chokha, a preparation of boiled potatoes and grilled eggplant, is eaten as an accompaniment. Litti Chokha is well-known not only for its nutritional value, but also for its delectable flavour.
  • Khaja: Silao village, about 15 kilometres from Bihar Sharif and 8 kilometres from Rajgir, is known for its traditional khaja-making practice. It's a sweet flaky patty made with maida (wheat flour), sugar, and ghee that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including Chandshahi, Round, Palvidar, and Gandhi Topa. The rectangular-shaped one is the most common among these.
  • Sattu Drink: It's made with roasted gram powder, water, rock salt, and roasted cumin, and it's both delicious and nutritious. Most of the time, it's a quick breakfast for people on the go.
  • Thekua: During most festivals, this is one of the most common sweets made in Bihari households. It's also known as Khajuria, and it's made by combining Jaggery and wheat flour. After that, it's formed and deep fried in oil. This one is a complete sugar rush!
  • Pitha: This is a form of dumpling that can be salty or sweet. This Bihar staple is made with rice flour and stuffed with lentil paste, chana dal, spices, pickle, or poppy seeds, as well as gur (jaggery). The dumpling is then steamed or fried, resulting in a filling breakfast.
  • Chandrakala: Chandrakala, which is similar to Gujia, is another delectable dessert for those with a sweet tooth. Chandrakala, a popular Bihar dish stuffed with flavoured khoya, coconut, cardamom powder, and dry fruits in a crispy coating and soaked in sugar syrup, is enough to infuse your senses!
  • Kadhi: Kadhi is India's most common dish, and it comes in a wide variety of flavours. Similarly, Kadhi Badi in Bihar has a distinct taste from all other varieties of Kadhi. Bihar's relaxing sour curd preparation is enjoyed by all in the usual life as well as on all special ceremonies such as Chhath puja.
  • Dalpuri: Dalpuri is the first name that comes to mind when thinking of Bihar's traditional cuisine. It's a salted wheat flour bread that's filled with boiled-crushed gram-pulse that's been fried with unique spices. While it is primarily a home-cooked dish, it is also available in restaurants and from roadside vendors.
  • Ghugni: This mouthwatering dish is made with soaked black chickpeas and served with puffed rice, chrwa, paratha, or poori.
  • Lakhto: Lakhto is a popular snack in Bihar, and it's particularly popular during the Dussehra festival. To make this dish, first knead a RiceFlour dough. The sweet is then deep fried before being soaked in a thick and sweet jaggery syrup to absorb the sweetness.
  • Puri Sabzi: Bihar's all-time favourite breakfast is Puri Sabzi. Aaloo sabzi, which is mashed potato with a pleasing concoction of spices and herbs, is a popular format of Poori there. Poori in Bihar isn't full without the special dessert of jalebi, which provides a completely healthy and balanced meal.
  • Laung Latika: Laung-latika is a traditional Bihar dessert that is served during festivals. While similar to other stuffed delicacies, Laung lata is distinguished by the clove in the centre of the crisp crust. The clove's pungent flavour, combined with sweet stuffing dipped in sugar syrup, melts in the mouth; the complex combination of flavours makes Laung Lata special to Bihar.
  • Mutton Seekh Kebabs: Mouth-watering Mutton Kebabs are a Mughal delicacy, and each Indian state has its own version of the dish. Mutton kebabs in Bihar are made with mild spices, meat fillets, and mustard-infused raw papaya. Kebabs have such a heavenly and luscious smoky taste and tenderness that you will beg for more.
 
FAQ’s

From October to March, just after the monsoon and before the summer, is the greatest time to visit this state.

The way all the festivals are observed in Bihar is a unique expression of the fusion of Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Islamic, and local tribal traditions. One of the most significant holidays is Chatt Puja, which includes rites of fasting and purification in the Ganges River. Another major event that delights tourists is the Sonepur cattle fair, where cattle vendors from over the area come together to exchange goods and animals. Buddhist enthusiasts from all over the world travel to Gaya to celebrate the major Buddhist festivals, which are all observed with great fervour. Other well-known events are the Pitrapaksh Mela and the Mithila marriage market.






 

National parks and wildlife sanctuaries are numerous. With numerous sites of worship, it has a long religious heritage that includes Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Jainism. Bihar's traditional village life can be enjoyed.

 

 Due to the long history of civilisation, culture, and religion in Bihar, numerous art forms have developed and merged. The Ramayana-era Madhubani style of painting from the Mithila region is without a doubt the most well-known. The handicraft sector is a vital part of the state economy in Bihar, and other crafts including bamboo, brass, zari, cloth, and lacquer work are also extremely well developed there. An old kind of folk art from the state is called Manjusha Art, which is shown in a sequence and depicts the story in a sequential manner. Bihar is also known for its ceramics, Sujini embroidery, Sikki art, Khatwa appliqué, and metal arts.


 

The best tourist destinations in Bihar include Bodh Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Vaishali, and Madhubani, among others.

 

Since Bihar is a very old state, its wonders are unique. The state of Bihar can be eye-opening for the curious traveller. The historic learning centre of Nalanda is located in this country, the homeland of Gautama Buddha. The entire state of Bihar is a wonderful story from a bygone era, and this exploration will stay with you forever.





 

Bodhgaya is a sacred site for Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. On the River Phalgu's banks, you can observe Ghats and temples. Pipal trees, Akshayavat, and the eternal banyan tree are examples of sacred trees. Additionally, Gaya, which is known for Pind daan, is 20 kilometres from Bodhgaya. To do pind daan puja for their deceased ancestors, people go from all over the world to this location.

 

Bihar's well-liked tourist destinations. Bihar is a wonderful combination of historical significance and natural beauty. To see all the significant tourist destinations, allow at least 7 to 10 days.






 

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