Since the region was formerly a prominent Buddhist learning centre, Bihar receives its name from the Sanskrit word "Vihara," which means "monastery." It has been controlled by a number of powerful empires and is well-known for its illustrious past. Before dispersing into Bengal's deltoid region, the Ganga's wide and deep flow fills the plains of Bihar.
Bihar is India's third-largest state by population and its twelfth largest by area. Bihar is bordered by Uttar Pradesh on the west, Nepal on the north, the northern section of West Bengal on the east, and Jharkhand on the south.
Bihar's history is one of the most fascinating of any Indian state. The first evidence of Sita's existence may be found in the epic Ramayana, when she was born in Mithila, Bihar. Both Buddha and Mahavira preached in this province about the year 400 BC. Despite the fact that Buddha founded Buddhism, Mahavira founded Jainism, which expanded all over the world.
The state of Bihar is a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination. It used to be India's most prominent centre of learning, culture, and power. Although the state is most renowned for its Buddhist circuit, it also boasts a lot of attractive tourist attractions. Bihar's tradition and culture attract visitors from all over the world.
Bihar is one of the holiest destinations on the earth for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Islam. The Mahabodhi Temple, a Buddhist shrine and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also located in Bihar. The Mahatma Gandhi Setu in Patna was recognised as one of the world's longest river bridges in the early 1980s.
Bodhgaya is a sacred Indian place associated with Gautam Buddha. Here at Mahabodhi Temple, he attained enlightenment and brought the glorious religion of Buddhism to the globe. This tourist site is only about 125 kilometres from Patna, the capital city of India. A Peepal tree at the temple is claimed to have sprung from the branches of the renowned tree. When you arrive in Gaya, make a point of seeing the Archaeological Museum and the monasteries, which were built by Buddhists from all over the world and are among the city's most popular tourist attractions. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While in Bihar, you must visit Nalanda, India's oldest university. Nalanda will bring you to the Gupta and Pala kingdoms, India's greatest age. Mahavira, the most famous Jain Tirthankara, spent 14 monsoons in Nalanda, making it a major tourist destination in Bihar and India. Buddha is also believed to have delivered his lectures under the Mango grove.
Lord Buddha spent several years of his life in Rajgir, where he delivered discourses. It's also where the first Buddhist Council took place. Rajgir is a major Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist pilgrimage place, conveniently located 102 kilometres from Patna. Before Pataliputra, Magadh's capital was Rajgir, or Rajgriha (Patna).
Lord Buddha spent several years of his life in Rajgir, where he delivered discourses. It's also where the first Buddhist Council took place. Rajgir is a major Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist pilgrimage place, conveniently located 102 kilometres from Patna. Before Pataliputra, Magadh's capital was Rajgir, or Rajgriha.
Patna is the current capital of Bihar, but it was originally known in ancient India as Pataliputra. It is also one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Guru Govind Singh, the Sikhs' last guru, was born in Patna, and Takht Sri Patna Sahib is one of the city's must-see sites. One of the most important is Didarganj Yakshi.
During the Mahabharat era, Vaishali, the world's first republic, is considered to have been named after King Vishal. It's also where the Buddha gave his final sermon. Year after year, travellers flock to the village, which is a major religious and historical tourism site. Lord Buddha spent a significant amount of his life here. In addition, his farewell sermon was delivered in Vaishali, and King Ashoka, who converted to Buddhism following the Kalinga slaughter, decided to raise one of his famed pillars here to commemorate the incident. Apart from Buddhists, Jains consider Vaishali to be a sacred spot because it is where Lord Mahavira was born.
Madhubani, a historic city in Bihar, is noted for its commitment to art and culture in the area. The city is known for the world-famous Madhubani paintings, which are described in the Ramayana and originated here.
The city is featured in the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics as Bihar's second largest city. It was here that Lord Ram and Lakshman gave pind-daan to their father Dashrath. The goddess Gaya is adored in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Gaya's beauty is elevated to new heights by the age-old shrines, which have elaborate carvings and paintings.
Sher Shah was the man responsible for the creation of the Huge Trunk Road, which connects all of North India. Sasaram is the home of Sher Shah's grand and gorgeous tomb. The location's grandeur originates from the fact that the mausoleum is set in a beautiful lake and appears to float. Sasaram is only 148 kilometres from Patna.
Pawapuri, India's most illustrious state, has once again unveiled a well-known religious site. Lord Mahavira exhaled his final breath here before being burned. This is a holy spiritual location for both Buddhists and Jains.
Vikramshila was founded by Bhagalpur's governing King Dharmapala, who was unsatisfied with the low quality of Nalanda and decided to replace it with Vikramshila. Like Nalanda, Vikramshila is now in ruins, though it is being repaired. During the rebuilding, several Buddhist stupas and monasteries, as well as wall carvings, were uncovered.
The Sonepur Fair, held annually, is a genuine rural fair that combines spirituality with elephant, cattle, and horse trading. It takes place at Sonepur, about 45 minutes from Patna, the capital city, in late November. The Sonepur Fair, which used to be known as a cattle fair, has evolved into a more commercial event with the goal of attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Bihar is one of the country's most prominent agricultural states. Agriculture and animal husbandry employ about 80% of the state's residents, which is much more than the national average. Bihar's population is made up of people from many religious backgrounds who cohabit and respect each other's rituals and ceremonies. They've managed to preserve their illustrious history. The state's population is made up of Hindus, Muslims, Jainists, Buddhists, and Christians. People in Bihar help one another with their rites and holidays, which promotes equality in the state.
The most widely spoken language in Bihar is Hindi, however it is also spoken in Urdu and Santali. The state's official language is Hindi, but Maithili, Bhojpuri, Angika, and Magahi are also widely spoken.
The traditional dhoti-kurta worn by men and sarees worn by women, as well as diverse styles of kameez-salwar worn on a daily basis, are preferred by the majority of Biharis. Their distinctive saree-wearing custom, known as seedha aanchal, stands out and distinguishes them from the crowd.
Old people, regardless of their religious beliefs, have a shared sense of style. They dress in traditional lungis (a type of petticoat for men) and pyjamas for everyday requirements (loose trousers). Kurtas (loose long cotton tops) and shirts are among the upper clothes worn by men. Paag, for example, is a turban worn by males to denote their social rank in Bihari society and is an important aspect of Mithila's attire.
Bihar has contributed much to Indian classical music. Some of Bihar's greatest artists include Bhikhari Thakur, often known as the Bhojpuri Shakespeare, Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, the famed 'Shehnai Vadak,' and Draupad singers Mishras and Malliks. Many folk songs from Bihar, such as Sohar, Ropnigeet, Katnigeet, and Sumanga, are about the life of ordinary people.
Bidesia is a traditional Bihar folk dance that is more popular in the state's Bhojpuri-speaking regions. Among tribal peoples, the Chhau dance is particularly popular. The Jat-Jatin of North Bihar is well-known, as is the Jijya of Bihar. There are various traditional painting styles that are popular in Bihar. Mithali paintings, also known as Madhubani paintings, are an Indian painting style prominent in Bihar.
Bihar's villages are known for their unique handicrafts. Bamboo items, leather creations, white metal statues, wooden toys, and cane and bamboo baskets are also easily accessible.
Some of Bihar's most well-known crafts are Sujini embroidery, Sikki Grass work, Yampuri Puppetry, Tikuli Work, Bangle making, masonry, wood inlay, Lacquerware, Pottery works, Bamboo works, and printed textiles.
Fairs and Festivals of Bihar:
Bihar's crown jewels are its festivals, each with its own set of intriguing legends. Fasts, feasts, and folk music are all part of this culturally integrated state's festivals.
Bihar is well-known for both its delicacy and its historical significance. The delectable and diverse Bihari delicacies would excite the taste buds of any culinary enthusiast. The following is a list of Bihari foods that you should taste.
Some of the most well-known dishes are listed below:
When you're in Bihar, you can't stop yourself from shopping. You can buy things that reflect the state's distinct features. Such things can be found in any section of the state at a variety of costs.
By Air – Bihar has excellent air connections to both India's major cities and the rest of the world. Jayprakash Narayan Airport in Patna and Bodhgaya Airport in Gaya are Bihar's two major airports. Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow are just a few of the major cities served by Bihar's daily flights. Taxis and buses are available to transport you from the airport to various sites within the state.
By Railway – Thanks to a well-developed railway network, Bihar's major and minor regions are connected to the rest of the country by rail. Patna, Gaya, and Bhagalpur are the main rail hubs in Bihar. Visitors can take cabs or buses to their destination from the railway station.
By Road – A wide network of National and State Highways connects Bihar to the rest of the country. These roads connect Bihar to both inside and outside the state. State and private buses, cabs, and autos are all common ways of transportation in Bihar.
