Festivals are a reflection of the rich diversity and also bring communities together. They bring exuberance and enthusiasm to the monotonous life. Coming to Bihar, a state where people from different religions coexist harmoniously is a manifestation of rich culture and traditions. While festivals are celebrated throughout India, those celebrated here have a unique charm.
Festivals of Bihar are marked with fasts, feasts, and folk songs that are peculiar to this culturally bound state. Steeped in history, culture, and vivid traditions, festivals are the soul of the state.
Each festival in Bihar has an intriguing fable attached to it. So, get ready to discover interesting narratives behind these 12 vibrant fairs and festivals in Bihar, reflecting deep-rooted traditions and regional influences on the state. Scroll down!
If you are looking for some distinct and noteworthy experience of festivals in this part of the country, then here is a piece of information. Take a look:
Bihar is an ancient land deeply rooted in religion. Folks here, being spiritually inclined, celebrate many festivals to worship God. Chhath Puja is the only Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God. The festival is celebrated twice a year, in Chaitra Maas (March) and Kartik Maas (November). It is 4 days of festivity where people fast and offer prayers during sunset near the river banks.
They also sing folk songs and dance to please Surya Dev and Chhatti Maiyya. The people of Bihar hold immense faith in this festival, maintaining sanctity and purity in their households. It is believed that this festival eradicates many negative energies from the surroundings.
Read More : Bhadli Mela
Similar to Pongal in South India and Lohri in North India, Makar-Sankranti, known as Tila Sankrant in Bihar is amongst the most famous and auspicious festivals in Bihar celebrated in January. It holds religious and mythological significance.
During Makar Sankranti, a massive fair is organised in Rajgir. On this special day, devotees actively offer flowers to deities and bathe in the sacred waters of hot springs.
Another region in Bihar located in the Banka district commemorates this festival with great enthusiasm. Here, locals believe that the shankh (conch shell) of Lord Krishna was discovered on the Mandar hills. Therefore, an enormous fair is organised annually at this site.
Bihar is where Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment, making Buddha Jayanti a significant festival in the state. Celebrated in Bodh Gaya and Rajgir on a full moon day in May, Buddha Poornima is the holiest day for Buddhists, attracting a large number of visitors from the Buddhist community to the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya.
On this occasion, a grand procession starts from the 80-foot-tall Buddha statue and moves towards the Bodhi tree behind the temple. The temple premises and surrounding areas are beautifully adorned with colorful Buddhist flags. Devotees of Buddha and numerous international tourists attend the celebrations, creating a lively atmosphere filled with reverence and spirituality.
Buddha Jayanti Date 2024: 23rd May 2024
Read More : Hill Stations Near Bihar
With origins rooted in ancient times, the Sonepur Cattle Fair stands out as the largest cattle fair in Asia. According to legend, Chandragupta Maurya purchased elephants and horses across the River Ganges, giving rise to the annual fair held in Sonepur. Besides trading livestock, this event features devotees taking a sacred bath in the river and praying at the Hariharnath Temple.
Located at the convergence of the rivers Ganga and Gandhak, Sonepur is considered a holy site. Entertainment options such as folk dances, magic shows, intricate handicrafts, and traditional handlooms add to the fair's appeal. Visitors can marvel at elaborately decorated elephants up for sale during the event. Every year a large number of Indian and international tourists flock to Sonepur Cattle Fair which is Bihar famous festival.
Sonepur Cattle Fair Date 2024: November 20 to December 5, 2024
Also Read: 15 Best Places To Visit In Bihar
Taking place annually, the Rajgir Mahotsav is a three-day celebration of dance and music held in Rajgir, formerly the capital city of the Magadha Empire in Bihar. Organised by Bihar's Tourism Department usually during the final week of October, the festival showcases various artistic expressions, indigenous folk dances, and music unique to the state.
Many renowned artists from different parts of the world take part in the cultural event. Various engaging activities and contests such as martial arts, tonga race, mehndi art, Mahila Utsav, etc. are also ogranised to keep visitors engaged. The vibrant vibe of the fair attracts many tourists from around the world.
Rajgir Mahotsav Date 2024: Early October 2024 (tentative; confirmed dates yet to be announced)
Read More : Culture Of Bihar
Celebrated in November, the ten-day festival Sama-Chakeva has a special significance in Mithila. It marks the bond between brothers and sisters and coincides with the arrival of colourful migratory birds, named Sama and Chakeva. The festival tells the story of Sama who was the daughter of Lord Krishna. Falsely accused, she faced her father’s wrath when he turned her into a bird. It is believed that the love and sacrifice of her brother Chakeva helped her get back to human form.
The festival is celebrated in a unique style by representing the local art form of making idols. The handmade clay idols of these brother-sister birds are then immersed in the river by the girls following certain rituals and traditions. Given Bihar's rich folk culture, festivals here would be incomplete without folk songs. So, singers perform regional tunes throughout the celebration. Later, families bid farewell to the spirits of the departing birds through Vidai songs, expressing hope for their safe return the next year.
Sama Chakeva Date 2024: Mid-November 2024 (depending on auspicious timing)
Also known as Bishari Puja, Bihula is a vivid festival celebrated in the Bhagalpur district and the eastern part of Bihar. Falling on the fifth day of Shravan Maas (August), this famous festival of Bihar boasts a fascinating narrative of why Goddess Mansa is worshipped on this auspicious day.
Legend says that Bihula, a fortunate girl who was blessed not to become a widow, suffered tragedy when her groom Lakshinder succumbed to a fatal snake bite on their wedding night. To get back her husband's life, Behula sailed in a raft with her husband’s body to heaven. Upon reaching she pleaded Goddess Mansa to grant his life.
She promised to bring him back to life on the condition that Chand, Lakshinder’s father would present a divine offering to her. Desperate to save his son's life, Chand gave in and Mansa got the position of Goddess in heaven. She gave back the life of all his six sons. Since then the ritual of offering prayers to Goddess Mansa is followed by the locals to receive her protection for their families.
Bihula Date 2024: 22nd to 23rd August 2024
Read More : Forts In Bihar
Harbinger of the monsoon season, Madhushravani is celebrated all over Mithilanchal in August (Sawan). On this auspicious day, people worship the snake God, Vishahara and the family Goddess, Gosaun. Kheer and traditional Ghorjaur along with fried vegetables, mangoes, and jackfruit are offered as prasad.
During the festival, married women in the Mithila region observe fast for the long life of their husbands. Married women of the region gather in mango groves and courtyards to conduct ceremonies collectively. Newly married women stay at their parent’s homes and observe a strict fast for 13 days. Traditionally, the newlywed bride is accompanied by five married women to feast together on the savouries sent from her husband’s home.
Madhushravani Date 2024: 7th August 2024
Also Read: Dishes Of Bihar
Home to many temples, holy city Gaya in Bihar is where the famous Pitrapaksha Mela is held. It is considered one of the significant fairs in India where rituals such as taking a dip in a river, worshipping ancestors etc. are performed to bring salvation to the souls of the loved ones who left for heavenly abode.
Observed during September, Pitrapaksha Mela is held every year for 16 days when a large number of people from different regions visit Gaya to offer prayers with utmost devotion. It is believed that Lord Buddha was the first person who performed the ritual of pind daan here and since then the tradition is being followed by many Hindus.
Pitrapaksha Mela Date 2024: 17th September to 2nd October 2024
Organised in Rajgir, Malmas Mela is one of the most significant festivals in Bihar that is attended by a large number of devotees. This popular Bihar festival has ancient roots and is held in a month considered unlucky for ceremonies.
There is a belief that during Malmas, also known as Adhimas, 33 crore Hindu Gods and Goddesses come from heaven to reside in Rajgir. Therefore, this period is marked with prayers and offerings. A grand fair is organised during this period and lakhs of devotees visit here to seek blessings from Gods and Goddesses.
Read More : Temples In Bihar
The Shravani Mela has ancient origins mentioned in Hindu scriptures. It honors Lord Shiva and celebrates the tale of 'Samudra Manthan'. This event happens during the month of Shravan (July-August), which is important in Hindu mythology.
Devotees visit holy sites and pray to Lord Shiva during this time. The festival kicks off in Deoghar, India, with great excitement. Millions of devotees from all over the country flock to the town, making it a bustling spiritual hub.
Shravani Mela Date 2024: Throughout July 2024
Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak, also known as Mahaveer Jayanti is celebrated in Bihar to honour the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. It is celebrated particularly in places like Rajgir, Pawapuri, and other prominent Jain pilgrimage sites. It holds immense significance as it marks the beginning of his noble journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
The celebration involves various rituals such as offering prayers, chanting hymns, and organising charitable activities like distribution of food and clothes to the needy. Devotees also participate in processions and visit Jain temples to seek blessings and express reverence towards Lord Mahavira.
Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak Date 2024: 21st April 2024
With so many festivals to celebrate, Bihar surely gives you millions of reasons to rejoice! So don’t wait, plan your trip with Adotrip - with us, nothing is far!
Q 1. What is the main festival of Bihar?
A 1. Chhath Puja and Buddha Jayanti are the main festivals of Bihar.
Q 2. What is the famous festival of Patna?
A 2. Chhath Puja is the famous festival of Patna.
Q 3. Which Mela is famous in Bihar?
A 3. Sonepur Cattle fair is a famous mela in Bihar.
Q 4. What Bihar festival is in May?
A 4. Buddha Jayanti is the Bihar festival that is celebrated in May.
Q 5. Which festival is celebrated in Bihar in March?
A 5. Holi is celebrated in March.
Q 6. Which festival is celebrated on 14 January in Bihar?
A 6. Makar Sankranti is celebrated on 14 January in Bihar.
--- Published By Shradha Mehra
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