Bihār, India
Region: Bihar
Geographic Coordinates: 25.197000, 85.518000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 45.0°C (50°F to 113°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 297268
Language: Hindi
Bihar, Located in the eastern part of India, Is one of the oldest inhabited regions in the world. With a rich history spanning over 3, 000 years, It is known for its ancient monuments, Religious sites and scenic beauty. One of Bihar’s most famous attractions is the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. This UNESCO World Heritage Site marks the spot where Buddha achieved enlightenment more than 2, 500 years ago. People from all over come to meditate and seek spiritual guidance at this site. Nalanda University is another popular destination in Bihar.
Founded by Gupta dynasty rulers in the 5th century AD, It was an important center for Buddhist learning until it was destroyed by Muslim invaders around 1200 AD. Other historical sites worth visiting include Rajgir – an ancient city that served as capital during Magadha Empire; Vaishali – birthplace of Lord Mahavira (founder of Jainism); and Patna – capital city with many historical landmarks including Patna Museum & Golghar.
In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Bihar also boasts breathtaking natural beauty with several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries such as Valmiki National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary which houses Bengal tigers; Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary with its hot springs; Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary where one can spot leopards & sloth bears among others. Bihar’s cuisine is known for its simplicity yet deliciousness with popular dishes like litti-chokha (roasted wheat balls stuffed with sattu), Dal-puri (lentil curry served with fried bread),
Chana-ghugni (spicy chickpea curry) etc. Bihar offers a unique blend of history, Culture and natural beauty making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring India’s rich heritage and experiencing its diverse cultures.
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
- Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex
- Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
- Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Patna
- Rajgir Hot Springs and Buddhist Monastery Ruins
- Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary
- Kesaria Stupa
- Buxar Fort
- Maner Sharif Dargah
- Kakolat Waterfall
- Agriculture: Bihar is known for its fertile land, and agriculture is the primary occupation of the people. The state produces a large quantity of rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, and other crops.
- Textiles: Bihar has a rich tradition of textile manufacturing. The state is known for its handloom products like silk sarees and fabrics.
- Pharmaceuticals: Bihar has emerged as a hub for pharmaceutical companies with many big players setting up their manufacturing units in the state.
- FMCG: Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies have also established their presence in Bihar due to its large consumer base.
- Power generation: With abundant natural resources like coal and water, power generation is an important industry in Bihar.
- Tourism: The state has several tourist attractions such as Bodh Gaya, Nalanda University ruins, Rajgir hot springs among others which contribute to the tourism industry in Bihar.
- IT/ITES: The IT/ITES sector is growing rapidly in cities like Patna with many startups emerging from the region.
- Handicrafts: Artisans from various parts of the state produce handicrafts made from bamboo,jute ropes etc., which are sold locally as well as exported to other states/countries.
- The ancient kingdom of Magadha, located in present-day Bihar, was a powerful and prosperous kingdom in ancient India.
- The Buddha spent a significant part of his life in Bihar, including at Bodh Gaya where he attained enlightenment.
- Emperor Ashoka, who ruled over much of India from 269 BC to 232 BC, was born and raised in Bihar. He is known for his conversion to Buddhism after the brutal Kalinga War.
- Sher Shah Suri, a medieval ruler who briefly established an empire across northern India in the mid-16th century, was born in Bihar.
- Mahatma Gandhi launched his first satyagraha (non-violent resistance) movement against British rule from Champaran district in Bihar.
- Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of independent India and a prominent leader during the Indian independence movement hailed from Bihar.
- Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), a freedom fighter and social activist who played a key role during the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi’s government between 1975-77 also belonged to this state.
- Famous mathematician Aryabhata lived and worked at Nalanda University which was situated near Patna.
- The Chhath Puja festival celebrated mainly by people residing on banks of river Ganges has its roots originating from this state itself.
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
- Nalanda University Archaeological Complex, Nalanda
- Patna Museum, Patna
- Rajgir Hot Springs and Monastery Ruins, Rajgir
- Vikramshila Ruins and Museum, Bhagalpur
- Buddha Smriti Park and Museum, Patna
- Kesaria Stupa, East Champaran
- Vaishali Archaeological Site and Museum, Vaishali
- Sher Shah Suri Tomb (Sasaram), Rohtas district
- Padri Ki Haveli Church (Patna)
- Bihar Cricket Team: This team competes in domestic cricket tournaments in India, including the Ranji Trophy. However, they have not enjoyed much success.
- Patna Pirates: A professional kabaddi team based in Patna, this team is one of the strongest competitors in India’s top professional kabaddi league, having won three championships between 2016 and 2018.
- Bihar Football Team: Representing the state of Bihar at national-level football tournaments such as Santosh Trophy and Subroto Cup, this team has struggled to achieve significant success.
- Mithila Warriors: This franchise-based T20 cricket team plays in the Jharkhand Premier League (JPL) and includes players from Bihar.
Overall, while there are some notable sports teams from Bihar such as Patna Pirates or Mithila Warriors, there is not a rich history of sports achievements at national levels by any sportspersons or teams representing this region compared to other regions within India itself.
- Chhath Puja is the most important festival in Bihar, celebrated to honor the sun god. It is a four-day festival that involves offering prayers to the sun god, fasting, and taking a dip in holy rivers.
- Sonepur Mela is a famous cattle fair held in Sonepur, Bihar every year on Kartik Poornima (full moon day). The fair attracts traders from all over India who come to buy and sell animals.
- Rajgir Mahotsav is a cultural festival held annually at Rajgir, a historic city located near Nalanda. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Bihar through dance, music and other performances.
- Bihula-Bishari Puja is a unique folk festival celebrated by the people of Mithila region in Bihar that commemorates the story of Bihula-Bishari, two legendary figures from Maithili folklore.
- Pitrapaksha Mela is an annual fair held at Gaya during Pitrapaksha (a period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors). The fair attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to offer prayers for their departed ancestors.
- Makar Sankranti is celebrated on January 14th every year as a harvest festival that marks the beginning of spring season in India and involves flying kites and feasting on traditional sweets like tilkut.
- Buddha Jayanti celebrates Lord Buddha’s birth anniversary on May 7th every year who was born in Lumbini (present-day Nepal) but spent significant time teaching Buddhism in Bihar’s Bodh Gaya region.
- Chatra Mahotsav features various cultural programs including folk dances like Jhumar and Chhau during Navratri (nine-day Hindu festival) annually at Chatra district headquarters.
- Litti Chokha is a well-known dish made of roasted wheat balls that are stuffed with sattu (gram flour). It’s usually served with mashed potato and brinjal.
- Dal Pitha is a classic Bihari dish that consists of rice flour dumplings filled with spiced lentil paste, which is often accompanied by chutney.
- Sattu Paratha is another popular item that features wheat flour parathas stuffed with roasted gram flour, onion, green chili, and spices.
- Chana Ghugni is a spicy curry made from chickpeas cooked in a tomato-based gravy. It’s typically served alongside puri or roti.
- Makhana Kheer is a sweet dessert prepared using fox nuts (makhana), milk, sugar, and cardamom powder.
- Gharonda Veg Restaurant – Patna
- Moti Mahal Deluxe – Patna
- Swaaddesh Restaurant – Patna
- The Yellow Chilli – Patna
- Raj Rasoi – Bodhgaya
- Patna Zoo: This is a popular public park in Bihar that houses a variety of animals and birds. It also has picnic spots and boating facilities.
- Buddha Smriti Park: Located in the heart of Patna, this park is dedicated to Lord Buddha and has a meditation center, museum, and library.
- Rajdhani Vatika: This is a large public park in Muzaffarpur that offers recreational activities like boating, horse riding, and children’s play area.
- Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park: Spread over an area of 152 acres, this park in Patna has several species of flora and fauna including tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, and crocodiles.
- Mahavir Mandir Trust Park: This is a well-maintained public park in Patna that offers walking tracks, yoga classes, children’s play area as well as cultural events.
- Valmiki National Park: Located near the Nepal border in West Champaran district of Bihar; it is one of the largest national parks in India with rich biodiversity including Bengal tiger.
- Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary: Located near Begusarai district; it is home to several migratory birds during winters like Brahminy Duck & Bar-headed Goose etc
- Nalanda Archaeological Museum & Ruins Site – A UNESCO World Heritage Site located 95 km southeast from Patna; it contains remains from ancient Nalanda University which was once an important Buddhist learning center
- Kakolat Waterfall – located on Kakolat hill near Nawada district ; its beautiful waterfall attracts tourists for picnics & adventure sports like rock climbing etc
If you’re looking for some fantastic dining options in Bihar, here are some popular restaurants to consider:
