Festivals in Bihar
Bihar, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, celebrates a variety of festivals with great enthusiasm and fervor. Here are some of the major festivals that are central to Bihar's cultural landscape:
Chhath Puja
- Significance: Dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister Chhathi Maiya, Chhath Puja is the most significant festival in Bihar. It is celebrated to thank the Sun for sustaining life on earth and to request blessings for the family's well-being and prosperity.
- Time of Celebration: It is celebrated six days after Diwali, typically in October or November.
- Customs: Devotees observe a fast, offer prayers at the riverbanks during sunrise and sunset, and prepare special offerings (prasad) including Thekua (a sweet dish).
Makar Sankranti
- Significance: Known as the festival of harvest, Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). It signifies the arrival of spring in India.
- Time of Celebration: Celebrated on 14th January every year.
- Customs: People take holy dips in rivers, fly kites, and prepare special sweets like tilkut (made of sesame seeds) and chura (flattened rice).
Saraswati Puja
- Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of learning, wisdom, and arts. This festival holds great importance among students and educational institutions.
- Time of Celebration: It is celebrated in January or February, on the day of Vasant Panchami.
- Customs: Students and teachers worship Saraswati idols, and educational materials are placed at the deity's feet to seek blessings.
Teej
- Significance: Teej celebrates the arrival of the monsoon after the hot summer months. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the reunion of the divine couple.
- Time of Celebration: It takes place in the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August).
- Customs: Women fast, dress in green sarees or suits, and perform traditional dances. They pray for the well-being of their husbands and families.
Bihula
- Significance: Bihula is a regional festival of Eastern Bihar, especially in the Bhagalpur region. It is associated with the worship of Bihula and her husband, Bishahari, and is linked to the folklore of the region.
- Time of Celebration: It is celebrated in the month of August.
- Customs: The festival involves the worship of snakes and is marked by the singing of folk songs and storytelling, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of Bihar.
Diwali and Durga Puja
- Significance: While these festivals are celebrated across India, they hold special significance in Bihar as well. Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, and Diwali, the festival of lights, marks the victory of light over darkness.
- Time of Celebration: Durga Puja is celebrated in September or October, while Diwali is celebrated in October or November.
- Customs: Durga Puja involves elaborate worship of the Goddess Durga, while Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of lamps, bursting of crackers, and exchange of sweets
Must Visit Places in Bihar
