Bihar, the land of ancient culture and traditions, is renowned for its vibrant festivals celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm and devotion. Each festival has its local flavour and distinct identity, reflecting the state’s deep-rooted customs and beliefs. Here’s a glimpse of some major festivals in Bihar and their local names that showcase its cultural richness:
One of Bihar’s most revered festivals, Chhath Puja is locally called Suryashashthi, dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated twice a year (Chaiti Chhath and Kartik Chhath), this festival involves rigorous rituals, including fasting, offering prayers, and taking a holy dip in rivers. The grand offerings at sunrise and sunset make it a unique spiritual celebration.
In Bihar, Makar Sankranti is popularly known as Tilsakarat or Tila Sankranti. The festival marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn and is celebrated with dahi-chura (flattened rice with curd), tilkut (sesame seed sweets), and other delicacies. Ritual baths in holy rivers and prayers to the Sun God are integral to this festival.
Holi, the festival of colours, is locally referred to as Phagua in Bihar. The name derives from the Phalgun month in which it is celebrated. This joyous festival is marked by the application of vibrant colours, singing traditional Holi songs (Phagua geet), and enjoying festive sweets like gujiya and malpua.
While known across India as Diwali, in Bihar, it is often accompanied by unique local customs such as Dhanteras for buying metal utensils and Yama Deepdaan, where lamps are lit for the well-being of ancestors. On the day of Govardhan Puja, farmers worship cattle, and children enjoy Khusiyari sweets.
Celebrated with devotion to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, this festival is locally significant as Basant Panchami. Schools and homes in Bihar organize pujas, and children’s participation in cultural programs adds to the festive spirit. The use of yellow attire and traditional kites signifies the joy of spring.
Teej is celebrated in different forms in Bihar. Hariyali Teej, observed by married women, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Jitiya, another variation, involves fasting by mothers for the well-being of their children. These festivals highlight the deep-rooted familial bonds in Bihari society.
In the Muslim communities of Bihar, Eid-ul-Fitr is popularly known as Meethi Eid because of the delicious sweet dishes like sevai (vermicelli) prepared during the festival. Similarly, Eid-ul-Adha is called Bakra Eid, reflecting the practice of animal sacrifice in devotion to Allah.
Magh Purnima is locally celebrated as Bata Savitri in Bihar, a day dedicated to the worship of Savitri Devi and banyan trees. Women pray for the longevity of their husbands, and fasting rituals are followed in various regions of the state.
In Bihar, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as Rakhi Purnima, where sisters tie rakhi (a sacred thread) on their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of love and protection. Traditional dishes like kheer and puri are prepared to mark the occasion.
Nag Panchami, also known as Nagpuja, is observed in Bihar with offerings to snake idols. This festival symbolizes reverence for snakes, considered protectors in Bihari folklore.
In the tribal regions of Bihar, Sohrai is a harvest festival celebrated with thanksgiving rituals to the cattle. It involves decorating houses with traditional paintings and enjoying communal feasts.
Bihar, being the birthplace of Lord Buddha, celebrates Buddha Purnima, also known locally as Vaishakh Purnima, with grandeur. Special prayers and processions take place in Bodh Gaya, attracting pilgrims from across the world.
While Durga Puja is celebrated pan-India, in Bihar, the festival holds a unique charm, particularly in Mithila and Patna. Navratri, which leads up to Durga Puja, involves nine days of fasting and worship.
Celebrated mainly in the tribal areas of Bihar, Karma Puja is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Karam tree. This is observed with great fervor in districts like Rohtas, Aurangabad, and Jamui.
The local names of festivals in Bihar represent not just linguistic differences but also the emotional and cultural significance attached to these celebrations. They embody the spirit of unity, simplicity, and devotion that defines the Bihari way of life. By celebrating these festivals with their unique traditions and customs, the people of Bihar preserve and pass on their rich cultural heritage to future generations.
1. Which festival is the most important in Bihar?
2. What are the traditional foods prepared during festivals in Bihar?
3. How does Bihar celebrate harvest festivals?
What’s your favourite Bihari festival? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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