Festivals of Bihar – A Celebration of Culture & Tradition

Bihar is a land of vibrant festivals, deeply rooted in its traditions, spirituality, and cultural heritage. The state’s festivals reflect its religious diversity and social harmony, bringing people together in grand celebrations.

1. Chhath Puja – The Festival of Sun Worship

One of Bihar’s most significant and widely celebrated festivals, Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God). Devotees observe strict fasting, offer prayers at riverbanks, and perform rituals during sunrise and sunset to seek blessings for prosperity and well-being. This four-day festival is marked by deep devotion and grandeur.

2. Sonepur Mela – Asia’s Largest Cattle Fair

Held in Sonepur, this historic fair is known for its livestock trade, cultural performances, and vibrant marketplace. Dating back to ancient times, the fair attracts traders, tourists, and devotees from across India and beyond.

3. Shravani Mela – Devotion to Lord Shiva

Observed in the holy month of Shravan (July-August), devotees, known as Kanwariyas, carry holy Ganges water from Sultanganj to offer at Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar. The pilgrimage is a major religious event in Bihar.

4. Sama-Chakeva – A Festival Celebrating Sibling Bond

Celebrated mainly in Mithila, this festival honors the bond between brothers and sisters. Women create clay idols of birds, sing folk songs, and perform rituals to mark the occasion.

5. Rajgir Mahotsav – A Cultural Extravaganza

Held in Rajgir, this festival showcases classical music, dance performances, folk arts, and traditional crafts. It attracts artists and tourists from across the country.

6. Makar Sankranti – The Festival of Harvest

Also known as Tila Sankranti, this festival marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn. People celebrate by taking holy dips in rivers, preparing sesame sweets (tilkut), and flying kites.

7. Holi – The Festival of Colors

Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bihar, where people play with colors, sing folk songs, and enjoy festive delicacies like Malpua and Thandai.

8. Buddha Purnima – Celebrating Lord Buddha’s Birth

Bodh Gaya, the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, becomes a major pilgrimage site on Buddha Purnima. Devotees from around the world visit Bihar to participate in prayers and processions.

Bihar’s festivals reflect the state’s spiritual depth, cultural richness, and communal harmony, making it a land of joy, devotion, and celebration throughout the year.