Nawāda, India
Region: Bihar
Geographic Coordinates: 24.880000, 85.530000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 109141
Language: Hindi
Nawāda is a city in Bihar, India, Situated on the banks of the Sakri river. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, Historical significance, And natural beauty. It has a population of around 135, 000 people. One of the most popular attractions in Nawāda is Rajgir Hot Springs. These hot springs are believed to have medicinal properties that can cure various ailments. Visitors can enjoy lush greenery and find peace away from their daily lives. Nalanda University’s ancient ruins are another must-visit attraction in Nawāda.
Established in the 5th century AD, This university was one of India’s oldest universities and known for its excellent education system attracting students from Asia. Mahavir Mandir is an important temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman that attracts thousands of devotees every year during festivals like Navratri and Diwali. Kakolat Waterfall offers breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls amidst lush green forests showcasing Nawāda’s natural beauty. Visitors can also explore nearby villages like Kauwakol or Dhanarua to experience rural life firsthand.
The local cuisine includes traditional Bihari dishes like Litti Chokha, Sattu Paratha, Dal Puri Sabzi along with sweets such as Tilka Ladoo & Khaja famous across Bihar. Overall, Nawāda offers visitors an exceptional blend of history, Culture, Nature & food that will leave them wanting more!
- Rajgir: This ancient city is located about 15 km from Nawada and is known for its hot springs and historical significance.
- Nalanda University: This ancient university was one of the oldest universities in the world and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Pawapuri: This holy site is believed to be the place where Lord Mahavira attained salvation.
- Kakolat Waterfall: Located about 30 km from Nawada, this waterfall attracts many tourists with its scenic beauty.
- Kundalpur Jain Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira and has beautiful carvings on its walls.
- Bihar Sharif: This city is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
- Baidyanath Dham Temple: Located in Deoghar district near Nawada, this temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
- Barabar Caves: These ancient rock-cut caves are located near Gaya district and are believed to date back to the Maurya period.
- Bodh Gaya: Located about 80 km from Nawada, this holy site is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa Rajgir: Also known as Peace Pagoda, it’s a Buddhist stupa built by Japanese monks that offers panoramic views of Rajgir valley.
- The major industries and businesses in Nawāda, India include:
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Small-scale industries such as:
- Handloom weaving
- Leatherwork
- Pottery
- Production of jute products like bags and ropes
- Several small shops selling:
- Clothing
- Jewelry
- Household goods
- According to legend, Raja Nala from the Indian epic Mahabharata founded Nawāda.
- During the Gupta Empire (4th-6th century CE), Nawāda was a crucial center for Buddhist learning and was home to renowned scholars like Dharmapala and Aryadeva.
- Throughout the medieval period, various dynasties ruled Nawāda, including the Pala Empire and later Muslim rulers like Sher Shah Suri.
- Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru visited Nawāda in 1688.
- In modern times, notable personalities from Nawāda include political leaders Ram Vilas Paswan (former Union Minister), Nitish Kumar (Chief Minister of Bihar), and Shahnawaz Hussain (Member of Parliament).
- The town also has several temples dedicated to Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and Lord Vishnu.
- Recently, efforts towards sustainable agriculture through organic farming practices led by farmer-scientist Subhash Palekar have put Nawāda in the news.
- Barabar Caves are ancient rock-cut caves dating back to the Mauryan Empire.
- Ashokan Pillar is a 3rd century BC pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka.
- Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex consists of ruins of an ancient Buddhist university and monastery.
- Rajgir Hot Springs are natural hot springs believed to have healing properties.
- Pawapuri Jain Temple is a pilgrimage site for Jains, with a temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.
- Kundalpur Digambar Jain Temple is another important Jain pilgrimage site.
- Bari Dargah Sharif is a Sufi shrine dedicated to Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar.
- Nawada Museum is a small museum showcasing local artifacts and history.
- Kauva Dol Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area home to various species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
- Bihar Sharif Tomb of Malik Ibrahim Baya is a tomb built in memory of Malik Ibrahim Baya who was one of the greatest Sufi saints in India.
- Chhath Puja – A four-day long festival celebrated by offering prayers to the Sun God.
- Diwali – The festival of lights is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.
- Holi – The festival of colors is celebrated with music, dance, and lots of colors.
- Durga Puja – The nine-day long festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
- Makar Sankranti – It marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated with kite flying competitions.
- Eid-ul-Fitr – Celebrated by Muslims after completing the month-long fast during Ramadan.
- Christmas – Celebrated by Christians across the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Muharram – A Muslim observance that commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (grandson of Prophet Muhammad) at Karbala in Iraq in 680 AD
- Litti Chokha – a dish made with roasted wheat balls filled with sattu (gram flour) and served with mashed potatoes and brinjal bharta.
- Dal Pitha – steamed rice dumplings filled with lentil paste.
- Khaja – a sweet snack made from flour and sugar syrup.
- Gopal Sweets & Restaurant – serves vegetarian North Indian cuisine including Litti Chokha.
- Agarwal Family Restaurant – offers a variety of dishes including Chinese cuisine.
- Hotel Royal Inn & Restaurant – serves Indian and Chinese cuisine along with fast food items like burgers and pizzas.
- Rajendra Prasad Udyan
- Nawada Stadium
- Nawada Zoo
- Chandrawati Park
- Ram Mandir Park
- Nehru Park
- Shivaji Park
- Baba Baidyanath Dham
- Kali Mandir Park
- Hanuman Mandir Park
Restaurants:
Please note that the availability of specific dishes/restaurants may vary depending on the season or time of year as well as individual preferences/tastes may vary from person to person.
