Fairs and Festivals of Bihar
Sonepur Cattle Fair
Legend apart, the famous Sonepur fair in more of a cattle trading centre where incredible number of birds and cattle are brought from different parts of the country. Besides, the bewildering array of wares are on sale and add to this the numerous folk shows about which the BBC once remarked, “there’s nothing like the Sonepur Cabaret.” The time to start is very early in the morning when the fog is suddenly pierced by the sun and the huge gathering has just emerged from the holy dip in the cold absolving waters. The mela that lasts upto a fortnight, provides enough time to talk to the parrots, watch the elephants being bathed leisurely, followed by ear splitting trumpets and then the artists working up with colourful designs to decorate the elephants as if the pachyderm has been tatooed all over, see the horses being tested for their speed and stamina, big bulky buffaloes being milked and likewise all other animals demonstrating their skill, strength and productivity.
By midday, it is the cacophony of strong decibels pouring in from all corners as the huge gathering becomes denser with more and more people adding to the Sound and sight of the landscae. Ash smeared, saffron clothed holy men blow their conches and bang their gongs. Loudsspeakers, from various folk shows and jugglers rent the air together with the unison from the animals. Much before the sun sets in, flames and fumes of dung fire burning at different places appear to screen the sky in a very amusing way, as if some mediveval army has just camped for the night. and it is time to share a gossip with one of the villagers who may better summarise the stock and sale of the cattles for the day. Zesty snacks together with tea comes in from the open air restaurant.
Nag Panchmi
The rainy month of Sravana when there is danger of death from snake bite, people appease the snake god by offering milk during Nag Panchmi. The prime centre of naga worship is Rajgir and Mahabharata describes this place as the abode of serpents and excavations have revealed numerous objects used in serpent cult. In fact naga worship is wide spread through out India.
Makar Sankranti Mela
Famous Makar Sankranti mela is another festival unique to Rajgir in the month of Paus, corresponding to mid January. Devotees make flower offerings to the deities of the temples at Hot springs and bathe in the holy water. Another historic place associated with fifteen day long Makar Sankranti mela is the Mandar hills in Banka district. Puranic legends accounts for a great deluge which witnessed the creation of a Asura that threatened the gods. Vishnu cut off the Asura’s head and piled up the body under the weight of the Mandar hill. The famous panchjanya – the sankh (counch shell) used in the Mahabharat war is believed to have been found here on the hills. Traces, akin to serpent coil can be seen around the hill and it is believed that the snake god offered himself to be used as a rope for churning the ocean to obtain the amrit (nectar).
Gaya-Buddhist Pilgrimage Center
Gaya is another holy dot in Bihar, famous for the International Buddhist Gathering and the rallying point is the Mahabodhi tree and the adjacent temple. The occasions are Buddha Jayanti (Buddha was born on this day, he attained enlightenment on this day and also attained Nirvana on this day ) and in the month of Vaisakh (April/May) and the annual session of Dalai Lama in December. Mahavir Jayanti is celebated in April with much fanfare on the Parsvanath hill and also at Vaishali while Deo Deepawali, marking the attainment of Nirvana by Mahavira is celebrated best at Pawapuri, ten days after Deepavali.
Gaya – Pitrapaksha Mela
Arond september the sleepy town of Gaya is agog with people who come here for the famous Pitrapaksha mela or the ancestor worship typified in Sraddha ritual. It is time for the Gayalis (the descendants of Magga Brahmans who were once devotees of Shiva but later converted to Vaishnavism) to be prepared for the vedic Sraddha ceremonies or the pindan – a mandatory Hind rite that is supposed to bring salvation to the departed soul. In the early Dharmasastras, Vishnu provides a list of over 50 tirthas but it proclaims that dead ancestors pray to God for a son who would offer pinda (lymph of rice) to them at Gaya.
The tradition traces its history to the time of Buddha, who is believed to have performed the first pindan here. Turning the pages of earlier history, one comes across the Puranic legend that ascribes Gaya as one of the holiest spots of the world. The Asura, named Gaya become so powerful that the gods felt threatened and thus thought of eliminating him. As a precondition to his death, the Asura demanded that be should be buried in the holiest spot of the world. This place is Gaya.
Vishnupada Temple Mela
The central point of the Hindu pilgrimage in Gaya is the Vishnupada temple built by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore in 1787. The spot on which it stands is associated with the famous mythological event of Vishnu killing Gaya and leaving his footprints on the rock which is the main point of worship in the temple. The Shraddha is customarily performed under a fig tree while the Women pilgrim perform it indoors as gayawal women live under strange customs, for instance, they never stir out of the house, married girl continues to get her daily ration from her parents. They can adopt a child or even an adult, who may assist her in their work. The Gayawals are believed to maintain centuries old records of the pindans performed under the supervision of their ancestors and accordingly people prefer the specific family of Gayawals who might have served their ancestors as well.
Other Famous Festivities
Though Bihar is in league with festivals like Holi, Dussehra, Deepavali but chaath puja (6 days after Deepavali) is Bihar’s prime festival honouring the sun god. Unlike the zestful Holi or the expensive Deepavali) Chaath is a festival of prayer and propitiation observed with solemnity. It is an expression of thanks giving and seeking the blessings from the forces of nature, prominent among them being the Sun and river. The belief is that a devotee’s desire is always fulfilled during Chaath. Simultaneously an element of fear is alive among the devotees who dread the punishment for any misdeed during Chaath. The city remains safe during this time when criminals too prefer to be a part of the good.
Chaath-Fasting
Chaath in Bihar can best be seen at Deo in Aurangabad or Baragaon near Nalanda, noted for their sun temples. Unlike other sun temples in India that faces East, the temple at Deo faces west and during the festival time it is the most crowded place. It is strange to see a Brahmin standing in the river water next to a Harijan ! The festival is more of a sacrifice which entails purificatory preparation. It can be performed by men or women, irrespective to caste or creed. Chaath commences with the end of Deepavali when the house is thoroughly cleaned, family members go in for a holy dip, strict saltless vegetarian menu is observed (even onions and garlic are considered unwanted during the entire festival period), all earthen vessels are reserved for the period only and all possible purity of food is adhered to; clothes have to be unstitched and people sleep on the floor.
The person observing the Chaath (known as Parvati) observes dawn to dusk fast which concludes with sweets. This is followed by another fast for 36 hours till the dawn of the final day when puja commences at the river bank much before sunrise. The disciplined parvatis remain in water from late midnight until the ray of dawn streaks the horizons. The river is now flooded with offerings to the sun which is followed by breakfast and distribution among the gatherings.
Bihula :
Bihula, or Bishahri Puja takes place mostly on the eastern parts of Bihar,especially in the Bhagalpur region. festival is centered around the tale of Bihula, a woman who saved her family from venomous snakes. On this day, worshippers offer prayers to Goddess Mansa, who is said to offer protection from snake bites. The festival is also closely linked to the Manjusha Paintings that depict the legend of Bihula and Mansa.
Madhushravani :
Madhushravani is festival of Mithila region which held during the month of Shravan (July to August). The rituals of Madhushravani are performed primarily by new brides. Snake worship is part of the celebration and this festival continued for 15 days.
Sama-Chakeva –
This festival is celebrated in the Mithila region of Bihar dedicated to the brother- sister relationship. It is time when birds migrate from the Himalayas to the plains heralding the beginning of this festival with the girls making and decorating clay idols of various birds and kitchen item.
Ramnavami –
Ramanavami festival is celebrated with traditional reverence and gaiety in Bihar with people observing seven days fasts. This is the auspicious day when lord Rama was born. Temples dedicated to Lord Rama are beautifully decorated and special prayers are carried out.
Shravani Mela :
Shravani Mela is organized along the 108-km route that links Sultanganj and Deoghar in Jharkhand in the Hindu month of Shravan, that is the lunar month of July-August. Lakhs of “Kawarias” of pilgrims, wearing saffron, collect water from the sacred river Ganga at Sultanganj and walk barefoot to Deoghar in Jharkhand where they bathe a sacred Shivalinga with the water brought from Sultanganj-as their holy offering or service.
Saurath Sabha:
Saurath sabha is held at every year for a fortnight in the month of June, the village of Saurath in Madhubani district witness a unique gathering of Mithila Brahmins from all over India. It is called Saurath Sabha and biggest market of Marriage. Parents of marriageable children bring horoscopes and negotiate marriages in a vast mango grove.
Rajgir Mahostav :
The Hilly Retreat or The ancient capital of Magadha Kings – RAJGIR; host colorful festival of dances and music during the last week of December every year. This festival is known as Rajgir Mahotsav. This festival comes up with vibrant classical and folk art and culture performances. The live performance by artist in ancient Magadha capital gives Rajgir Mahotsav an ultimate destination for the connoisseurs of Indian Cultural form of expression of the self.
During Rajgir Mahotsav a visitors got chance to see variety of events. Rajgir host artisans from all across country with their traditional handicrafts. Every day Classical music and dances are performed by well renowned artists. The occasion is almost as a carnival.
We at Visit Bihar operate tours during Rajgir Mahotsav. Our tours cover the live artistic performance in the Event programs with guided tour to historic city of Rajagriha or Rajgir.,
Bihar is a state in eastern India with a rich cultural heritage. The state is home to a number of festivals and fairs, each with its own unique traditions and customs.
One of the most important festivals in Bihar is Chhath Puja. Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to the sun god. It is celebrated during the month of November or December, when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. The first day of Chhath Puja is called Nahay Khay, when people take a holy bath in the river and eat a special meal. The second day is called Kharna, when people fast all day and offer prayers to the sun god. The third day is called Sandhya Arghya, when people offer prayers to the sun god at sunset. The fourth and final day is called Usha Arghya, when people offer prayers to the sun god at sunrise.
Another important festival in Bihar is the Jaishankarpur Mela. The Jaishankarpur Mela is a cattle fair that is held every year in the town of Jaishankarpur. The fair is a major attraction for people from all over Bihar and neighboring states. It is a time for people to buy and sell cattle, as well as to enjoy a variety of cultural events.
The Kosi Mela is another major fair that is held in Bihar. The Kosi Mela is held on the banks of the Kosi River, and it is a major attraction for people from all over the state. The fair is a time for people to buy and sell goods, as well as to enjoy a variety of cultural events.
The Magh Mela is a religious fair that is held every year in the city of Allahabad. The Magh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, and it attracts millions of pilgrims from all over India. The fair is held on the banks of the Ganges River, and it is a time for people to take a holy bath in the river and to offer prayers to the gods.
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival that is celebrated all over India. In Bihar, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with a variety of cultural events, including kite flying, folk dances, and feasting.
The Raja Harishchandra Fair is a religious fair that is held every year in the town of Deoghar. The fair is held in honor of the legendary king Raja Harishchandra, who is said to have been the most honest and righteous king in history. The fair is a time for people to take a holy bath in the Ganges River and to offer prayers to the gods.
The Rath Yatra is a religious festival that is celebrated all over India. In Bihar, the Rath Yatra is celebrated with a grand procession of chariots carrying the idols of the gods Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The procession is accompanied by music, dancing, and feasting.
The Sawan Mela is a religious fair that is held every year in the town of Munger. The fair is held in honor of the Hindu god Shiva, and it is a time for people to take a holy bath in the Ganges River and to offer prayers to the gods.
Teej is a Hindu festival that is celebrated by women. In Bihar, Teej is celebrated with a variety of cultural events, including folk dances, singing, and feasting.
Vaisakhi is a Sikh festival that is celebrated all over India. In Bihar, Vaisakhi is celebrated with a grand procession of floats and bands. The procession is accompanied by music, dancing, and feasting.
The Yatra Mela is a religious fair that is held every year in the town of Bodh Gaya. The fair is held in honor of the Buddha, who is said to have attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. The fair is a time for people to take a holy bath in the Niranjana River and to offer prayers to the Buddha.
These are just a few of the many festivals and fairs that are celebrated in Bihar. Each festival has its own unique traditions and customs, and they all play an important role in the cultural life of the state.
What are the most popular fairs and festivals in Bihar?
The most popular fairs and festivals in Bihar are:
- Chhath Puja: This is a four-day Hindu festival that is dedicated to the Sun God. It is celebrated in the month of November or December.
- Durga puja: This is a ten-day Hindu festival that is dedicated to the goddess Durga. It is celebrated in the month of September or October.
- Holi: This is a two-day Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. It is celebrated in the month of March.
- Maha Shivratri: This is a one-day Hindu festival that is dedicated to the god Shiva. It is celebrated in the month of February or March.
- Janmashtami: This is a one-day Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna. It is celebrated in the month of August or September.
- Raksha Bandhan: This is a one-day Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated in the month of August or September.
- Diwali: This is a five-day Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated in the month of November or December.
What are the unique features of these fairs and festivals?
Each of these fairs and festivals has its own unique features. For example, Chhath Puja is celebrated by offering prayers to the Sun God while standing in water. Durga Puja is celebrated by setting up pandals and idols of the goddess Durga. Holi is celebrated by throwing colored powder and water at each other. Maha Shivratri is celebrated by fasting and meditating on the god Shiva. Janmashtami is celebrated by singing and dancing and by exchanging gifts. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by tying a rakhi (a sacred thread) on the wrist of a brother. Diwali is celebrated by lighting diyas (lamps) and fireworks.
What are the benefits of participating in these fairs and festivals?
There are many benefits to participating in these fairs and festivals. For example, they can help to promote cultural understanding and unity. They can also provide a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, they can be a lot of fun!
What are some of the challenges associated with these fairs and festivals?
One of the challenges associated with these fairs and festivals is the potential for overcrowding. This can lead to traffic congestion, Noise Pollution, and other problems. Additionally, some of these fairs and festivals can be expensive to attend.
What are some of the ways to address these challenges?
One way to address the challenge of overcrowding is to stagger the dates of the fairs and festivals. Additionally, organizers can work to improve public transportation to and from the fairs and festivals. Finally, they can encourage people to carpool or take public transportation.
What are some of the ways to preserve these fairs and festivals for future generations?
One way to preserve these fairs and festivals is to pass down the traditions from generation to generation. Additionally, organizers can work to document the history and culture of the fairs and festivals. Finally, they can create educational programs about the fairs and festivals.
Which of the following is not a fair of Bihar?
(A) Chhath Puja
(B) Sonepur Mela
(C) Bodh Gaya Maha Mela
(D) Patna Sahib MelaWhich of the following is not a festival of Bihar?
(A) Holi
(B) Durga Puja
(C) Chhath Puja
(D) Makar SankrantiThe Sonepur Mela is held in which month?
(A) January
(B) February
(C) March
(D) AprilThe Bodh Gaya Maha Mela is held in which month?
(A) May
(B) June
(C) July
(D) AugustThe Patna Sahib Mela is held in which month?
(A) September
(B) October
(C) November
(D) DecemberThe main attraction of the Sonepur Mela is the sale of which of the following?
(A) Cattle
(B) Birds
(C) Fish
(D) ElephantsThe main attraction of the Bodh Gaya Maha Mela is the pilgrimage to the Mahabodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
(A) True
(B) FalseThe main attraction of the Patna Sahib Mela is the celebration of the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
(A) True
(B) FalseWhich of the following is not a traditional dish of Bihar?
(A) Litti Chokha
(B) Pabda jhaal
(C) Kadhi pakora
(D) BiryaniWhich of the following is not a popular sport in Bihar?
(A) Kabaddi
(B) Hockey
(C) Cricket
(D) Football
Answers:
1. (D)
2. (D)
3. (C)
4. (July)
5. (October)
6. (A)
7. (True)
8. (True)
9. (D)
10. (C)