Indian Century - Tour Bihar

BIHAR: PLACES TO VISIT

Bihar state boasts four historically important sites: Patna (erstwhile capital of Magadha and called Pataliputra), Nalanda, the first live-in university in the world, Vaishali, the first Republic in the world and where democracy originated, and Bodh Gaya, the place where the Budha meditated under a Bodhi tree and attained enlightenment.

BIHAR STATE STATS:

Area: 94,16 sq. km (36,357 sq. mi)	Rank: 12th
POPULATION (2011): 103,804,637	Rank: 3rd
CAPITAL CITY: Patna
LARGEST CITY: Patna
LITERACY RATE: 63.82%	Rank: 28th
HDI: 0.41	Rank: 21st
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Hindi, Urdu
Official Website: www.gov.beh.nic.in

Please read the article entitled "Tears I Shed for Bihar".

The Resurrection of Nalanda University

The Importance of Patliputra (Patna)

BIHAR LOCATOR MAP

BIHAR TOURIST MAP

CENTRAL: Patna: Capital city. (Patliputra, the capital of Emperor Ashoka)

Nalanda: Ruins of the great Nalanda University. A Buddhist center of learning. When the Buddha, Mahavira and Aryabhata I and many other scholars. Princes and Generals were associated with.

nalanda

nalanda
Above are three more views of the ruins of Nalanda University

Vaishali: World's first Republic with duly elected assembly of representatives. Lord Mahavira was born here. Ashoka Pillar at Kolhua.

map

SOUTH: Bodhgaya:

The site where the Buddha attained enlightenment, 13 Km from Gaya town. The Bodhi tree, Mahabodhi temple etc. The most sacred place for Buddhists.

Bodhgaya
Gaya: Pilgrim center for Hindus

FESTIVALS

Chhath:

The one festival that is uniquely associated with Bihar, is the festival of Chhath. It is an ancient Vedic festival, historically native to the Indian subcontinent; it is dedicated to Surya, the solar deity, thanking him for the bounties of life. The worship is also made to Chhathi Maiya, the mother goddess. The rituals are vigorous and observed for four days, including holy bathing, fasting, and abstaining from drinking water, standing in water for long periods, and offering prasad to the rising sun. Environmentalists claim the festival to be the most eco-friendly and transcends the caste system that emerged in the post-Vedic period. It has received a special significance as a folk festival.

Bihula:

Bihula is a well-known festival of eastern Bihar and is famous in the district of Bhagalpur. This Puja is also known as Bishari Puja. Bihula Festival is observed every year during the month of August. The devotees of Bhagalpur pray to Goddess Mansa for the welfare of their families. The Bihula Festival patronizes the brilliant Manjusha art which stands on par with the other well-known folk arts of Bihar like the Jadopetiya of Santhal Parganas, and the Madhubani paintings of Mithilanchal.