Bihar Tour Packages

1. About Bihar
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Bihar
4. Bihar At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Bihar
6. Best Time To Visit Bihar
7. Top Cities to Visit In Bihar
8. Top Things To Do With Our Bihar Tour Packages
9. Shopping In Bihar
10. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers
11. Foods To Try Out in Bihar
12. Art And Culture In Bihar

In the heartlands of India, Bihar is one of the most culturally and spiritually rich states. It is the birthplace of two ancient religions—Buddhism and Jainism. The region of Vihar (the ancient name of Bihar) was the centre of the Mahajanapadas, a group of 16 kingdoms that existed in ancient India and ruled the subcontinent.

Nalanda University, the world’s first residential university, was an ancient vihara and a great centre of learning. It was chronicled by several ancient travellers, including Hiuen Tsang and Fa-Hein. The university ruins are now a major tourist attraction and an important part of our Bihar tour packages itinerary.

Some of the brightest Indian minds, from Aryabhata to Chanakya, were born in the ancient land of Vihar. The state was home to several kingdoms, ranging from Magadha and Maurya to Nanda, Haryanka, Anga, and Gupta. Some of the greatest rulers of the Indian subcontinent, including Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka, were born in the ancient city of Pataliputra, the area that is now around Patna.

Bihar also played a major role in India’s freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi initiated the first satyagraha movement and civil disobedience movement in India from Champaran in Bihar. Rajendra Prasad, the first elected president of independent India, was born in Siwar, Bihar.

One of Hindi’s famous poets, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, who was also known as Rashtrakavi or the National Poet, was born in Bihar.

The Ganges River separates Bihar into two unequal halves: North and South. Bihar’s major commercial products include rice, wheat, corn, and lentils. Materials such as jute and silk are transported to Kolkata.

Bihar is one of the leading agricultural states in the country. Agriculture provides employment opportunities to almost 80% of the state’s population and is also among the largest producers of fruits and vegetables in the country. To explore this beautiful state, check our Bihar tour packages at the best prices.

• Patna, Bihar’s capital city, was once called Pataliputra and was the capital of several dynasties, including Maurya and Magadha.
• Punaura Dham, located in Sitamarhi, Bihar, is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita.
• Bihar covers an area of 94,160 sq km.
• Nalanda Mahavira, an ancient Buddhist university and the world’s first residential university, is in modern-day Bihar.
• The Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar ranks 4th in the country regarding tiger density. In 1990, it was established as the country’s 18th tiger reserve.
• Natural forests cover 7.27% of Bihar’s geographical area.
• Mahatma Gandhi first initiated satyagraha in India from Champaran, Bihar, in 1917.
• Bihar gets its name from the Sanskrit word Vihara, which means abode of peace.
• Buddha attained enlightenment in Gaya, a city now in modern Bihar.
• Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, was born in Vaishali, a city in modern Bihar
• Aryabhata, the father of Indian astronomy and mathematics, was born in Pataliputra, present-day Patna.
• Chanakya, the author of Arthashastra, was born in Pataliputra, present day Patna.
• Bihar was home to the Mahajanapadas, a group of 16 kingdoms that ruled the ancient Indian subcontinent from the 6th to the 4th century BCE.
• Vaishali was the world’s first republic, established in the 6th century BCE.
• Valmiki, also called adi kavi, the author of Ramayana, is believed to have lived in present-day Bihar.

• Bihar can be very cold during the winter months – carry plenty of warm clothes
• Patna is well connected to major cities by train and air.
• Carry bottled water and choose street food/restaurants wisely to avoid health problems
• Avoid roaming around alone at night, as it could be unsafe.
• Keep your belongings close to you, and don’t carry too much cash while going out.
• Stay with your tour manager to avoid being duped by local shopkeepers.
• Local buses and trains can be overcrowded and not very clean – use private taxis and buses instead.

Listed below are some of the many reasons why you should immediately book GT Holidays’ Bihar tour packages:

Bihar’s lush greenery shines through its various wildlife reserves and national parks. There are several walking tours and safaris you can opt for when in Bihar. The state is filled with many waterfalls that you can witness, such as the Kakolat Falls, Dhua Kund, and Telhar Kund. There is the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, home to tigers, elephants, leopards, and numerous species of birds. Wildlife lovers should also visit the Kanvar Lake Bird Sanctuary and Pant Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar.

Bihari cuisine is loved both within and in the neighbouring states of Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh because of its unique qualities. Many Bihari delicacies are also consumed in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Rice, lentils, rotis, pickles, and vegetables are common in the food of Bihar. In addition to vegetarian items such as litti chokha, you will find scrumptious non-vegetarian food to gorge on in Bihar, such as mutton kebabs and reshmi kebabs.

Bihar was once the centre of many empires, including the Mughal, Gupta, and Mauryan empires. As a result, the architecture of Bihar reflects those glorious times when intellectual, political, and economic activities flourished in the state. As you explore Bihar, you will come across many landmarks that carry a piece of its history. These include the Nalanda Mahavihara, Sher Shah Suri Tomb, Golghar, and Barabar Caves.

The diverse culture of Bihar is reflected in the amalgamation of different religions that co-exist in the state, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Devotees and pilgrims flock to Bihar every year to pay their respects at several holy sites and attend festivals that are directly tied to their religion. The presence of temples, mosques, and monasteries add to the alluring charm of the state. From the Mahabodhi Temple and the Great Buddha Statue to the Patthar ki Masjid, there is a wide array of religious monuments to witness in Bihar.

Bihar has a humid subtropical climate characterised by hot summers and rough winters. The northern region of Bihar is more remarkable than the southern region. The eastern part of the state receives more rainfall than the western part. Before you make your travel plans, remember that Bihar is the most flood-prone state in India and that 76% of the population in the state’s northern region lives in constant fear of a dreadful flood. Let’s now take a look at what each season in Bihar is like so you can accordingly decide when to book our Bihar tour packages:

Summers in Bihar can be very hot, with temperatures ranging from 25 degrees Celsius to 42 degrees Celsius. May is usually the hottest month of the year, with the temperature going up to 50 degrees Celsius. The summer months in the state are very dry, extremely hot, and dusty. Loo, a concept referring to the dusty, dry, and hot wind blowing over the northern and northwestern parts of India, is common. But summer Bihar tour packages are the best time to experience Chaiti Chhath or Chota Chhath festival.

When the monsoon approaches, the temperature remains between 25 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. The state receives plenty of heavy rainfall since the Himalayas are situated to its north, making the monsoons extremely wet. Bihar receives most of its annual rainfall during this season, and the average annual rainfall ranges from 1000 to 1200 mm. Occasional thunderstorms and lightning may occur during this time, so remember to carry some waterproof gear.

The rainy season in Bihar is followed by the retreating monsoon season, which lasts from September to November. This is when the state goes through cyclonic disturbances. The festival of Madhushravani is celebrated at this time.

Winter in Bihar lasts from November to March and is the best time to choose Bihar tour packages. During the day, the temperature oscillates between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. The nights bring along lower temperatures and cold winds, with the temperature often going as low as zero degrees Celsius. December and January are the peak winter months in Bihar, so carry plenty of woollen clothes if you travel to the state during this season. The festivals you can experience in Bihar now are Basant Panchami and Sonepur Mela.

Call us at +91 9940882200 for personalised Bihar tour packages curated to match your travel requirements.

Patna is the largest city of Bihar and also its capital. Originally known as Pataliputra or Patalipattan, it’s known to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. In addition to being historically important, Patna also holds spiritual and religious significance. This is due to the presence of several pilgrimage sites that are frequented by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.

The city is filled with various vital historical landmarks, thereby reflecting its rich architectural and cultural heritage. There is the Patna Museum, which was founded by the British Raj in April 1917. Make sure to lay your eyes on the Golghar or Gol Ghar, a magnificent beehive-shaped structure which was built as a granary. Some of the other prominent places to visit in Patna include the Patna Saheb Gurudwara, Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Padri ki Haveli, and Gandhi Ghat.

Bodh Gaya is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site in Gaya. Previously known as Uruvela, the current name was not used until the 18th century CE. The tourist attraction you must visit in Bodh Gaya with our Bihar tour packages is a UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Mahabodhi Temple. Bodh Gaya is said to be the place where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Renowned for its historical and spiritual significance, the village attracts spiritual seekers and pilgrims from around the world. When you’re in Bodh Gaya, visit the Great Buddha Statue, Royal Bhutan Monastery, Metta Buddharam Temple, and Wat Thai Buddhagaya.

Vaishali is about 32 km from Patna and is a sacred site in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Buddha delivered his last sermon in Vaishali, while Mahavira is believed to have been born in the city. Pay a visit to the Ramchaura Mandir, a temple believed to have been visited by Lord Rama on his way to Janakpur. The location contains his footprints, which are worshipped as the main icon. Explore the Vaishali Archaeological Museum, established by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1971. Other spots to visit in Vaishali include Ashoka Pillar, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, and Vishal Fort.

Rajgir is an ancient city in Nalada. The city’s name translates to ‘royal house’ or abode of kings. It served as the capital of the Magadha kingdom until the 5th century BC. The spiritual town of Rajgir is enveloped by rocky hills and filled with springs, caves, and dense forests. Rajgir is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata as the kingdom of Jarasandha, the mighty king whose enemies were Krishna and his Yadava clan. Some of the major tourist attractions you can’t miss out on in Rajgir are the Griddhakut Peak, Venu Van, Veerayatan Museum, Cyclopean Wall, Rajgir Hot Springs, Ajatshatru Fort, and Ghoda Katora Lake.

Jains revere the town of Pawapuri as they believe that Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana here in 527 BC. It was once the twin capital of Malla Mahajanapada. Given that Lord Mahavira was cremated in Pawapuri, the town is also known as Apapuri, which translates to ‘sinless town’. Legend says that after Lord Mahavira was cremated, there was a huge demand for his ashes, so much so that a significant chunk of the soil had to be eroded from around the funeral pyre. This resulted in the creation of a pond. A white marble temple named Jal Mandir was constructed in the middle of the pond.

From religious experiences and wildlife sightings to historical locations, here are the places to visit in Bihar and the activities to participate in:

The Valmiki Tiger Reserve is in Bihar’s West Champaran district. It is spread over 899.38 sq. km and divided into two sections: a wildlife sanctuary and a national park. A part of it was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1978, while the Valmiki National Park was created in 1990.

In January 1953, the Valmiki National Park was given the status of a ‘protected forest’. Some wild mammals you can expect to spot at the park are wild boars, bison, leopards, sloth bears, and tigers. It is the only national park in the state, yet it packs a punch in terms of supporting a range of animals, including 32 species of reptiles, such as cobras, crocodiles, banded kraits, and pythons.

The Barabar Caves are a group of four caves: the Karan Chaupar, Vishwakarma, Sudama, and Lomas Rishi, in the hilly region of Makhdumpur. Their history can be traced back to the Maurya Empire; they are known to be India’s oldest surviving rock-cut caves. Carved out of a single monolithic granite rock, these 3rd-century BCE chambers were the birthplace of the Ajvika Sect. The caves are also home to the Siddheshwar Nath Temple, supposedly built in the 7th century CE during the Gupta period.

Barabar also inspired E M Foster to create the fictional Marabar Caves in his book A Passage to India. Each of the four caves is distinct in design style and purpose. For instance, while the Sudama cave is famous for its bow-shaped arch, the Lomas Rishi cave has an intricate façade that mimics timberwork. The latter is connected with Buddhism, while the Sudama Cave was the home of the Ajvikas, a sect committed to atheist philosophy.

Situated in Rohtas, this fort is spread over 26 miles. Local lore claims that Rohitaswa, the son of the legendary Raja Harishchandra, initially built the fort. Some people believe that the Kharwars and Oraons built the fort. The fort’s control passed through several Hindu dynasties until it was captured by Sher Shah Suri in 1539 CE. You can enjoy trekking or climbing up to the top of the fort.

You can also opt for a car drive, but the roads are bad – we suggest you opt for an off-roader. If you’d like to include an off-road tour to the Rohtasgarh Fort with your Bihar tour packages, call us at +91 9940882200.

Falling from over 160 feet, the Kakolat Waterfall in Nawada is believed to have originated during the Treta Yuga when Lord Krishna bathed here with his queens. Legend has it that a sage had cursed an ancient king and transformed him into a python, causing him to reside at the Kakolat Falls. The water here remains cool throughout the year, offering some much-needed respite during summer. A grand festival is held at the Kakolat Waterfall during Baisakhi.

While the Kakolat Waterfall is beautiful, the drive to the place is equally scenic.

Maharaja Rameshwar Singh of Darbhanga built the Navlakha Palace in Rajnagar. The palace was built between 1884 and 1929 as the administrative capital of the princely state of Darbhanga.

Unfortunately, the palace suffered significant damage during an earthquake in 1934 and hasn’t been repaired since. The central tower was seven stories high and featured 11 temples, including the white marble temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.

The palace derives its name from the nine lakhs spent on its construction. The north end of the complex originally had a Durga Bhawan, which had a large pond in front of it. Although the Durga Bhawan remains intact, the rest of the structure has been destroyed.

The Tomb of Sher Shah Suri is a grand mausoleum in Sasaram. It was built in honour of Emperor Sher Shah Suri, who founded the Sur Empire. Built between 1540 and 1545, the architect of this structure was Mir Muhammad Aliwal Khan. Locally known as the ‘Second Taj Mahal of India’, this three-story red sandstone mausoleum stands 122 feet tall. Reputed to be a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture, the mausoleum is in the centre of a picturesque artificial lake. A large dome prevails over the tomb, embellishing the exterior with calligraphy and detailed carvings. Tourists can find the cenotaph of Emperor Sher Shah Suri within the tomb.

The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is revered as one of Buddhism’s holiest and most integral sites. The pilgrimage destination is home to a descendant of the Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha gained enlightenment. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is among the oldest brick temples in the country. The original structure was built during the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka. Standing 180 feet tall, the temple has a shrine located in its interiors, which houses a glass-encased yellow sandstone statue of Buddha. The property is spread over an area of 4.86 hectares.

The Ruins of Nalanda University, also known as Nalanda Mahavihara, contain the archaeological remains of a prestigious institution from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. Established in 427 CE by Emperor Kumaragupta, several scholars from around the world would attend Nalanda University from regions as far away as Japan, Korea, China, and Tibet. The Archaeological Survey of India recovered the ruins from 1915 to 1937 and 1974 to 1982. In July 2016, the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several dormitories, libraries, lecture halls, stupas, decorated panels, stairways, and chaityas were revealed when the site was excavated.

The Great Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya stands 80 feet tall and was unveiled by the 14th Dalai Lama in November 1989. It is enveloped by 10 smaller sculptures of Buddha’s disciples and might be the first great Buddha ever built in India. The Japanese Daijokyo sect provided the funding for the Great Buddha Statue. It was created using sandstone and red granite, with the Buddha statue seated in a bhumisparsha mudra, known as the ‘earth touching’ mudra. The symbol represents Buddha’s moment of enlightenment. When you visit this religious spot, dress modestly and respectfully.

• Paramotoring in Patna
• River Rafting in Valmiki Nagar
• Hiking to Vishwa Shanti Stupa
• Cruising at Mahatma Gandhi Setu
• Trekking in Rajgir

The following are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Bihar and the places to shop from in the state:

If you’re interested in decorating your home with unique art, get your hands on Bihar’s Madhubani paintings. These are created using pigments and natural dyes. Artists use various mediums to create these paintings, including brushes, twigs, matchsticks, and their fingers.

Bhagalpur is renowned for its tussar silk weaving industry, supporting over 30,000 handloom weavers and over 25,000 looms. Tussar sarees are lightweight, elegant, and made using high-quality silk. Unlike other varieties of silk, Tussar silk is coarse and has a natural sheen. The weave pattern makes these saris unique, thanks to locals weaving them for generations. If you’d like to include Bhagalpuri silk sarees in your shopping list, let us know when booking your Bihar tour packages.

Bihar’s bamboo and cane crafts have a rich history that eventually merged with the urban population’s modern thinking. The artisans who engaged in this art form received plenty of appreciation and encouragement from the empires that existed in Bihar, including the Gupta and Mauryan empires. Products available under this category include woven mats, household wares, and baskets.

The terracotta works found in Bihar are linked to the state’s traditional and cultural richness. The art dates back to the Mauryan period when figurines of animals, men, and women were used for religious ceremonies and seasonal festivals. There is a wide range of products you can get for your home, such as vases and earthen cups. You can also buy terracotta jewellery from Bihar.

• Maurya Lok Complex (Patna): For snacks, jewellery, and clothes.
• Hathwa Market (Patna): For jewellery, clothes, handicrafts.
• Khetan Market (Patna): For jewellery, accessories, and sarees.
• Lhasa Market (Patna): For woollen clothes, Madhubani paintings, and jewellery.
• P&M Mall (Patna): For accessories, shoes, and clothes.
• Vasundhara Metro Mall (Patna): For accessories, clothes, and footwear.
• Pottery Street Market (Patna): For pitchers, water pots, and oil lamps.

• Bargaining is common in Bihar. Remember to be polite when negotiating
• If you’re purchasing textiles and handicrafts, check their quality and authenticity
• Don’t carry too much cash in crowded markets; always look after your belongings.
• Most of the markets in Patna are open from 10 am to 9 pm on weekdays.

• The vegetation in the state is fragile. Therefore, follow the designated trails to keep the fauna safe.
• Don’t take anyone’s picture without their permission.
• Leaving donations at a monastery is considered customary, as is circling a shrine in a clockwise direction.
• Dress modestly while visiting a holy site.
• Don’t partake in buying endangered species or antiques.
• Don’t use plastic items when you’re in a natural environment such as forests

Bihari cuisine is connected to the diverse cultures that have influenced the state over the years. All the empires that have been home to Bihar in the past – including the British, Mughal, and Mauryan empires – have directly affected the state’s cuisine, giving birth to a varied and rich culinary tradition.

The traditional dishes of Bihar include staple grains such as wheat and rice. Puris, parathas, and rotis are different items made using wheat and consumed with chutneys and curries. Rice is usually paired with dal or made into khichdi using various vegetables. Dal forms an integral part of Bihari cuisine. There are numerous dal forms in Bihari households, including dal peetha, chana dal tadka, and dal ki dulhan.

Steaming, roasting, and deep-frying are standard cooking practices in Bihari cuisine. Mustard oil is the leading oil used to cook Bihari dishes. The use of panch phoron is everyday in Bihari cuisine, referring to the use of five spices: cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, fennel seeds, and brown mustard seeds. Let’s look at some of the delicious dishes you absolutely must consume during your trip with our Bihar tour packages:

Litti chokha is Bihar’s staple food. Laden with ghee and savoured by locals and tourists alike, this dish is worth trying. The dish comprises two components: litti and chokha. The litti is made using wheat flour and stuffed with sattu or roasted gram flour. The litti is then roasted over coal or cow dung cakes.

Chokha is a mash containing boiled vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, or eggplants that are mixed with spices, garlic, and chopped onions. The crunchy texture of the littis along with the soft and scrumptious mash makes for a delightful combination.

To serve, the litti is broken and dipped in ghee before being served with a variety of chokhas, i.e., charred and spiced vegetables.

When you’re in the mood for something sweet in Bihar, you can try the donut-shaped balushahi. It contains spices like cinnamon and cardamon and mildly sweetened khoya. These flour bowls are filled and deep-fried till the exterior becomes crunchy while the interior remains soft. Once the balushahis are dipped in sugar syrup, their sweetness amplifies. Some even add saffron to the mix to elevate the fragrance and taste of this sweet dish.

Chana ghugni is a popular snack in Bihar. Having a tangy and spicy taste, it’s commonly served during teatime or when guests come over. Chickpeas form the main ingredient of this dish. They are boiled and then stir-fried with lemon, tomatoes, onions, and spices till they turn brown. Chana ghugni is also served garnished with onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, chaat masala, and lemon. This is often served alongside chura ka bhuja or flattened rice.

The Mahavir Mandir in Patna is known for many things, including the prasad or naivedyam. The prasad is made using gram flour, raisins, cashews, sugar, Kashmiri saffron, and green cardamom. The mixture is cooked in ghee, and once it becomes sticky, the combination is turned into small balls. These melt-in-your-mouth sweets are a treat to the senses.

While Bihar has an array of famous vegetarian dishes, it does not lag in its non-vegetarian options. If kebabs are what you like, then remember to taste the mutton kebabs and reshmi kebabs found in the state. When you visit the Kadamkuan neighbourhood of Patna, head over to Mahangu Hotel, the legacy of which can be traced back to someone who was a chef in the British court.

Believe us when we say the sweet chandrakala tastes just as good as it sounds. Shaped like half-moons, these are made by rolling small flour doughs, which are then stuffed with coconut, cardamom, dry fruits, and sweetened khoya. After being deep-fried, the dough is dipped in sugar syrup, and the end result is a soft interior and a crispy exterior.

Kadhi badi is the Bihari version of the North Indian kadhi pakoda. The badi is made using gram flour and turned into round-shaped, small balls. The badis or pakodas are then dipped in a yoghurt-based curry. This is then served with rice or puris. The curry has a creamy consistency and the pakodas soak in the spicy taste, giving the dish a salty and savoury flavour.

While kesar peda originated in Jharkhand, it’s also a famous dessert in Bihar. Some ingredients for making kesar pedas include milk, sugar, khoya, almonds, cardamom, and saffron. These ingredients are cooked together until the consistency resembles that of a dough, after which dry fruits are added to elevate the taste.

Malpuas are fluffy pancakes and popular across Bihar. The batter for this dessert is made using milk, rice flour, sugar, and mashed bananas. This batter is then fried and dipped in sugary syrup. The interior of the malpuas remains sweet and soft, while the exterior is crunchy. You can multiply the sweetness of this dish by pairing it with rabdi, which is a sweet dish made using condensed milk. Some even add cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices to the recipe to amplify its deliciousness.

Gur anarsa is made during festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and other special occasions. It’s made using jaggery and rice flour and fried on medium heat until the coating turns a delightful shade of red. The dish is coated with sesame seeds, giving it a fabulous crunchy flavour.

The indigenous folk music culture of Bihar is quite diverse. Most of the music genres prevalent in the state are connected to social events such as weddings or rice seeding. These songs often have a religious undertone or are mostly linked to seasonal celebrations and holidays. This traditional form of music has been passed down through generations, preserving the experiences, values, and stories of the Bihari community.

There are the Sohar songs sung during childbirth that convey good wishes and blessings for the newborn. The Chhath songs are linked to Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the Sun God Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. These songs describe the rituals performed for the festival and are sung in praise of the deities. Ropnigeet songs are performed during the paddy sowing season, and katnigeet songs are reserved for the paddy harvesting season.

The folk dances of Bihar are significant to the state’s cultural identity as they symbolise its people’s values, customs, and traditions. Most of the folk dances you witness in Bihar reflect different aspects of the community’s daily life, including their wins, sorrows, and happiness. Bidesia is a dance drama whose roots are tied to the folk theatre of the 20th century. Developed by Bhikhari Thakur, it discusses societal conflicts, such as the gap between the rich and the poor and the disparities between upper and lower castes.

The Jatin dance is popular across Bihar, especially in the northern region, the Mithila region, and the Kosi division of the state. It recounts the heartbreaking love story of Jat and Jatin, a couple that was pulled apart due to socio-economic conditions. Performed by couples, this dance sheds light on grief, poverty, floods, and droughts.

Owing to the rich traditions and culture prevalent across the state of Bihar, various festivals are celebrated throughout the year. These festivals reflect the culture and lifestyle of its residents and are also a way to honour the presence of different religions in the state, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

The most important festival in Bihar is Chhath Puja, celebrated six days after Diwali to honour the Sun Deity. Makar Sankranti is celebrated at the beginning of the summer season. Madhushravani is celebrated in the Mithila region, wherein newly married brides pray for their partners to have a long life and for the prosperity of their marriage. Depending on when you book our Bihar tour packages, you could get to witness one of the many festivals hosted in the state.

Several Bihari literary personalities have gained recognition both nationally and internationally. These include literary artists like Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Phanishwar Nath Renu, Raja Radhika Raman Prasad Singh, Acharya Ramlochan Saran, and Satyapal Chandra. The Patna Literary Festival, a three-day literary event, is known to host several authors, journalists, historians, artists, cultural activists, and personalities from the world of cinema.

The art forms of Bihar are vibrant and diverse, all of which have their own historical importance and distinct style. There are the Madhubani paintings, which are a popular art form in the Mithila region of Bihar. The unique feature of these paintings is that they contain figures that have pointed noses and bulging fish-like eyes. An art form that has existed in the city of Bhagalpur in Bihar for a long time is Manjusha art. It gained popularity somewhere between 1931 and 1948. Back in the day, Manjusha art was done by only two castes, namely the Kumbhakar caste and the Malakar caste. Some of the other art forms common in Bihar are tikuli art, sikki art, and Patna qalam.