Bihar

The culture of Bihar is very vast and goes back to around 3000 years back. It is the birth place of many religions like Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. The major festivals celebrated here are Shivratri and Patliputra Mahotsava which features parades,sports, music and dancing. The other festival celebrated here are Holi, Dussehra, Diwali, Chhat, Eid etc. The major language of Patna is Hindi. But people also speak Magadhi, Bhojpuri, Maithili and Urdu. Most of the people here are vegetarian due to the influence of Buddhist and Hindu values of non-violence. But people also eat non-vegetarian food.

Fairs and Festivals of Bihar:

The fairs and festivals in Bihar is a mirror of the lifestyle of the people of Bihar. These fairs and festivals attract a large number of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Some of the major fairs and festivals of Bihar are:

• Sonepur Mela: It is the largest cattle fair of Asia. Apart from the cattle a large breeds of dogs, elephants, birds and camels also become part of the attractions. This is celebrated on the banks of river Ganga on Kartik Poornima (full moon day) in the month of November every year.
• Kalachakara Festival, Bodhgaya: It is celebrated every on the holy place of Bodhgaya where  Buddha attained enlightenment and lasts for ten days wherein a large number of people come together to create inner peace.
• Rajgir Dance Festival: Rajgir Dance festival is one of the major classical dance and music festivals that takes place every year with great enthusiasm at Rajgir in the state of Bihar.
• Makar Sankranti Mela: The most popular Makar Sankranti Mela in Bihar is another festival which is something exclusive to Rajgir. The pilgrims visiting the place from all over the country make flower offerings to the divinities of the temples at the Hot Springs. The devotees also take bath in the holy water of the Hot Springs.
• Nag Panchami Festival: A famous festival which is considered to be a Snake Festival and snakes are worshipped during this festival. This festival is celebrated during the rainy season.
• Pitrapaksha Mela: Gaya is a holy place in the state of Bihar. People from all over the country gather in this place for the famous Pitrapaksha Mela or the ancestor worship symbolized in Shraddha ritual. It is the time for the Gayalis who are the descendents of Magga Brahmins who were transformed to Vaishnavism, to be prepared for the Vedic Shraddha ceremonies or the ‘Pinda Daan’.
• Vat Savitri Puja: Vat Savitri Puja is one of the widely celebrated festivals in India. This puja is performed to pay respect to Savitri's determination and devotion to bring her husband back to life. She managed to plead Lord of Death, Yama to leave her husband by sheer devotion. Married women throughout India take part in this puja to pray for their husband's long life.
• Chhath Festival: Chhath Puja is devoted to the Sun God and People gather on the banks of the River Ganges to take a bath in its holy water, pray and make ritual offerings to the Sun God during the jubilations of Chhath Puja.

Must Visiting Places In Bihar:

• Sher Shah Suri Masjid, Patna: It is a mosque and is also known as Shershahi, The mosque is a fine example of the Afghan style of architecture. There exists a tomb inside the complex of the mosque which is sheltered by an octagonal stone slab
   
• Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib, Patna: The Gurudwara at Patna; was built in remembrance of the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This Gurudwara is most certainly the root of Sikhism in the eastern part of India.
   
• Gurdwara Handi Sahib, Patna: It is situated in Danapur which is approximately 20 km west of old Patna City. The family of Guru Teg Bahadur after leaving Patna Sahib made their first halt here.
   
• Maner Sharif, Patna: It is home to the tombs of Sufi saints Makhdoom Yahya Maneri and Makhdoom Shah Daulat. The tombs are known as Bari Dargah (the great shrine) and Chhoti Dargah (the small shrine). Maner is known for its uniquely prepared laddu. The local vendors claim that the the laddus are made using the sugar-sweet waters of the Sone river.
   
• Nalanda: Nalanda is one of the most popular historical destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which houses the ruins of the renownedacclaimed Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. This ancient destination is situated at about 90 kilometers away from Patna.
   
• Rajgir: Rajgir is one of the most important destination for Buddhism and Jainism. This amazing place is located at the distance of about 102 km from Patna. It was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha. As per historical records the city is dated back to more than 1000 BC. Some of the major attractions at Rajgir are Gridhakuta, Pipphali House, Venuvana, Tapodarama and Saptaparni cave.
   
• Bihar Sharif: Located at the distance of about 80kms from Patna, the tomb is lies at the hilltop of Pir Pahari. The mausoleum is an astonishing structure built out of a rare quality of bricks. This was the celebrated seat of the ancient Odantapuri University, an important center for the learning of Buddhism.
   
• Jain Temple, Rajgir: It is also famous as Panch Pahadi. It is from these temples that many austere saints through intense meditation and penance attained salvation. Mahaveer, founder of the Jainism also frequented the temples several times.
   
• Bimbisar Jail, Rajgir: The Jail offers a beautiful view of Griddhakuta hill as well as the Japanese pagoda. Bimbisar, a staunch disciple of Lord Buddha, was imprisoned by son Ajatshatru.
   
• Ashokan Pillar, Vaishali: Built by the great ruler Ashoka, it is a prominent historical which holds the great religious and mythological importance. It is made of a highly polished single piece of red sandstone, surmounted by a bell shaped capital, 18.3 m high. Asmall figure of a lion is placed on top of the pillar.
   
• Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Vaishali: The Stupa was built in Vaishali as a symbol of peace and tranquility. There are artifacts across the structure which pays tribute to Lord Buddha. The structure is visited by locals and tourists alike, adding charm to the city of Vaishali.
   

The main food of the people of Bihar is roti, bhat, dal, tarkari and achar.  The local cuisine of the city is a mix of Mughlai and Central Asian food with an Indian touch in it. Street food is very popular among the city residents. Various mouth-watering street foods like chaat, litti chokha, phuchka (a deep-fried crepe with tamarind sauce) are served by local street vendors all over the place.