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finds mention in the Vedas, Puranas, Epics etc and was the main scene of activities of the Buddha and the 24 Jain Tirthankaras. It is also one of the important places in the annals of Indian history which has seen the rise and fall of major empires. With its historical past, there are many tourist destinations especially pilgrim centres in the state like Patna, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Vaishali and ruins of the the world famous, ancient university of Nalanda etc. The best time to visit is from October to March. Temperature varies from 43 C- 21 C in summer and 20 C - 6 C in winter.
Bihar, an eastern Indian state and the place that gave birth to Buddhism and
Jainism and helped in the growth of Sikhism and Hinduism, has a past that is
unmatched anywhere in the world. It was the center of first
Culture of Bihar Besides usual rural handicrafts like hand-painted wall hangings, wooden stools, miniatures in paper and leaves, stone pottery, bamboo, leather goods and appliqué work, Bihar is famous for its Madhubani paintings. These works of art often adorn city homes and are also exported. A strict monopoly of women of Mithila, Madhubani artists work with natural colors on paper and cloth, making works that narrate mythological and religious events.
Ancient designs in bright colors can still be seen on the mud walls in the districts of Saharsa, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Darbhanga, Samastipur, and Bhagalpur and of course Madhubani the trade centre for this unique art.
Since most of the people are Hindu,traditional festivals like Holi,Saraswati Puja,Durga Puja or Dussehra,Deepwali and Bhaiya Dooj are all celebrated.But Chaath dedicated to Sun God is one festival that is unique to the place.The festival begins on the fourth day of the month of Kartik Shukhla Paksha(second fortnight of Kartik).This will correspond to late October to mid November depending on the year.It is one of the holiest festivals for Biharis and extends to four days.
Bihar has a very old tradition of beautiful folk songs sung during important family occasions such as marriage, birth ceremonies. They are sung mainly in group settings without the help of too many musical instruments though dholak and occasionally tabla and harmonium are used.
Bihar also has a tradition of lively Holi songs known as Phagua filled with fun rhythms. During the 19th century when the condition of Bihar worsened under the British misrule many Biharis had to migrate as apprenticed labourers to West Indian Islands, Fiji and Mauritius. During this time many sad plays and songs called Biraha became very popular in the Bhojpur area. Dramas on that theme continue to be popular in the theatres of Patna.
Theatre is another form in which the Bihari culture expresses itself. Some forms of theatre with rich traditions are Reshma-Chuharmal, Bihula-Bisahari, Bahura-GOrin, Raja-Salhesh, Sama-Chakeva and Dom-Kach.These originate in the Anga area of Bihar.
The state has also produced many Hindi writers like Raja Radhika Raman Singh,Shiva Pujan Sahay,Divakar Prasad Vidyarthy,Ramdhari Singh Dinkar,Ram Briksha Benipuri,Phanishwar Nath Renu and Baba Nagarjun.
Bihar is truly colorful state and a great tourist hotspot.
Folksongs & music Bihar has a very old tradition of beautiful folk songs, sung during important family occasions, such as marriage, birth ceremonies, festivals, etc. They are sung mainly in group settings without the help of many musical instruments, though Dholak, and occasionally Tabla and Harmonium are used.
Bihar also has a tradition of lively Holi songs known as 'Phagua', filled
with fun rhythms. During the 19th century, when the condition of Bihar worsened under the
British misrule, many Biharis had to migrate as indentured labourers to West
Indian islands, Fiji, and Mauritius. During this time many sad plays and songs
called biraha became very popular, in the Bhojpur area. Dramas on that theme
continue to be popular in the theaters of Patna.
Dances of Bihar Dance forms of Bihar are another expression of rich traditions and ethnic identity. There are several folk dance forms that can keep one enthralled, such as dhobi nach, jhumarnach, manjhi, gondnach, jitiyanach, more morni, dom-domin, bhuiababa, rah baba, kathghorwa nach, jat jatin,launda nach, bamar nach, jharni, jhijhia, natua nach, bidapad nach, sohrai nach, and gond nach.
From the time immemorial India as a nation is known for colorful festivals. People celebrate and enjoy these festivals promoting love, harmony, brotherhood and peace. Bihar also has long list of festivals which are celebrated with gaiety and tolerance. Tourism in Bihar invites you all to enjoy the festivals in Bihar.
Chatth Puja Chatth Puja is a unique festival where the setting sun is worshipped in Bihar with reverence. With full tradition Chatth festival is celebrated twice a year.
Sama-Chakeva This festival is celebrated in the Mithila region of Bihar dedicated to the brother- sister relationship. It is time when birds migrate from the Himalayas to the plains heralding the beginning of this festival with the girls making and decorating clay idols of various birds.
Ramnavami Ramanavami festival is celebrated with traditional reverence and gaiety in Bihar with people observing seven days fasts. This is the auspicious day when lord Rama was born. Temples dedicated to Lord Rama are beautifully decorated and special prayers are carried out.
Makar-Sankranti This festival marks the end of winter and beginning of the summer season. It is also known as Tila Sankranti. Every year it is observed on the 14th of January. People celebrate it by giving offerings to the poor.
Bihula This festival is celebrated in the Eastern Bihar especially famous in Bhagalpur district. People pray to goddess Mansa for the welfare of their family.
Madhushravani Madhushravani is celebrated in the month of Sawan (Hindu calendar August all over Mithilanchal in Bihar with enthusiasm and reverence.
Buddha Jayanti On Buddha Jayanti in the month of Vaisakh (April/May), Buddhists from India and abroad throng to Bodhgaya and Rajgir.
Mahavir Jayanti There are two major Jain festivals: Mahavir Jayanti (April) which is celebrated with great pomp on Parasnath hill and Deo Diwali (10 days after diwali) which marks the final liberation of Lord Mahavira in Bihar.
Saurath Sabha Every year for a fortnight in June, the village of Saurath in Madhubani district witnesses a unique gathering of Mithila Brahmins from all over India.It is called Saurath Sabha and is the biggest marriage market. Parents of marriageable children bring horoscopes and negotiate marriages in a vast mango grove.
Art and Crafts of Bihar
Sujini and Khatwa Embroidery:
Madhubani Paintings:
Wood Inlay:
Lacquerware:
Stonecraft:
Printed Textiles:
Sikki Work:
Other handicrafts:
Bihar As A Tourist Destination
Since the inception of its history Bihar has been cradle of
culture and civilization with unparalleled growth in the field of art, culture
and religion literature & human rights. It is the land where earliest forms of
democracy blossomed in th
Tourism in Bihar is still at its nascent stage even though Bihar holds great promise as a place of tourism. Due to lack of growth of overall the state Tourism in Bihar has been long neglected, but with its great tourism potential it can now only grow. Presently Bihar Tourism is in focus and lots more facilities are being planned for people who travel to Bihar.
Forts and Palaces of Bihar
Over three thousand years of glory and historical importance are recorded in the wealth of monuments unearthed in Bihar.This ancient land of Bihar has been witness to some of the spectacular forts and palaces in the country.Visit Bihar to see these magnificent relics of history.
Rohtasgarh Fort
Munger Fort
RajMahal
Palamu Fort
Maner Fort Districts of Bihar
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republic in the
world at Vaishali and the city of Patliputra was largest and grandest in the
world at the height of its glory. Even today,
the state is the largest mineral producing region in India
and contributes immensely in national wealth
creation. There is an array of tourist destinations of diverse interests in the
state, though their potential has not been exploited fully till now. The state
that represents every thing good and bad within the country is waiting to be
explored and rediscovered.
Culture
of Bihar
Fairs & Festivals in
Bihar
religious scenes such as bride
in palanquin, peacocks dancing, boy flying kite, etc. Khatwa is the applique
work of Bihar used to craft decorative tents, canopies, shamianas, etc. The
applique designs for tents are Persian type trees, flowers, animals, birds, etc.
For canopies the whole design with circular central
motif is cut out of a single cloth. 
designs
are printed in these chunris which are traditional as well as floral and animal
forms. At Sursand in North Bihar only mica (khari) printing is done with bright
colours are used extensively. 
Bihar Tourism offers areas of untouched natural beauty such as
lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. Bihar’s unique tapestry of religious history
is unparalleled.Bodhgaya is a fascinating place to visit and tourists and
travelers flock to see this wonderful tourist haven. On a tour to Bihar, soak up
the Buddhist vibes under the sacred Bodhi tree.Rajgir and Sasaram are some of
the most interesting places one can find off the usual tourist trail. Enjoy the
tranquility of the fascinating ruins at Nalanda University an ancient seat of
learning. 
e
form of cities governance. With Lord Buddha it witnessed a cultural renaissance as people embraced Buddhism and spread beyond
the boundaries of our country. Nalanda was established as a highest seat of
learning where students joined from the world all over. The rich culture of
Bihar will transport you through 3000 years of history, reliving a rich heritage
of romantic legends; to a land affluent in natural beauty, whispering forests,
sparkling lakes, majestic forts and palaces, holy rivers, cascading waterfalls,
natural hot springs. 
