FluentBharata

Bihar — Culture,
Heritage & Language

Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Chhath Puja, Magadha heritage

Introduction

Bihar gave the world the Buddha's enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Mahavira's Jain tradition, the universities of Nalanda and Vikramshila, and the Magadha and Maurya empires. Today it remains a deeply cultured land along the Ganga.

Quick Facts

Capital
Patna
Largest City
Patna
Official Language
Hindi
Formation Date
26 January 1950
Area
94,163 sq km
Population
128,000,000+
Region
East
Type
State
Language
Hindi is the official language and Urdu an additional official one. Bhojpuri, Maithili (constitutionally recognised), Magahi and Angika are the major spoken languages.
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Traditional Dress
Men wear dhoti-kurta and gamcha; women wear sarees, particularly the Tussar silk and the famous Madhubani-printed cottons. Bridal Sindur-Khela traditions are notable.
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Festivals
Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun, is Bihar's most distinctive festival; Sama-Chakeva, Sonepur Mela (Asia's largest cattle fair), Buddha Purnima and Eid are widely celebrated.
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Cuisine
Litti-Chokha is the state's icon; also Sattu-based dishes, Khaja, Thekua, Dal Pitha, Malpua and Khichdi with chokha.
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Literature
From Chanakya and Aryabhata to Vidyapati, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Phanishwar Nath Renu and Nagarjun — Bihar has shaped Sanskrit, Maithili and Hindi letters.
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Art Forms
Mithila (Madhubani) painting, Tikuli art, Manjusha art, Bhojpuri folk songs, Jat-Jatin dance, Bidesia theatre and Sujini embroidery.
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Historical Importance
Capital of the Magadha and Maurya empires under Chandragupta and Ashoka; cradle of Buddhism and Jainism; hub of the Champaran Satyagraha that launched Gandhi's Indian movement.
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Districts & Cities

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