| Shivaratri-Bihar |
| About: |
| Maha Shivratri or Maha Shivaratri (Night of Shiva) is a Hindu festival, celebrated all over the country with much The prayers and worship continue throughout the night and On this day, devotees stay awake throughout the night Going |
| Time(indian calendar Tithi): |
| Best time to visit: Hindu calender of a Krishna Paksh in the month of Falgun. |
| Climate/Weather: |
| Bihar climate in general is tropical with hot summers and cold winters. There are regional variations. Some parts of the state like Ranchi,Netarhat, and Parasnath have pleasant climate even during the summers. Maximum rainfall takes place during the months from July to September accounting for more than 90% of total rainfall in the state. |
| History: |
| According to another legend in the Shiva Purana, once |
| Importance of |
| Shivaratri is an important festival in Jharkhand, celebrated elegantly in almost all the temples of the state. This Jharkhand temple festival has an adjacent Kunda Mela, especially held in Pratappur. This mela is held at the time of falgun Shivratri and is marked by a big trade of cattle. Kolhua mela in Hunterganj is another traditional festivity of Jharkhand, held twice in a year during Magh Basant panchami and chaitra Ramnaumi respectively. There is a beautiful lake and ancient temple of Goddess Kali on the top of the hill. This religious fair in Jharkhand is a vital celebration in the state. |
| Method of Celebration: |
| Puja: Panchamrut made of un-boiled milk, curds, ghee, honey Vidhi: Puja is performed to the Shiv Parivar Shivji, Parvati Mata, Ganeshji, Karthikeyan and NandiA fast is observed the whole day and one eats after the Mahashivratri fast: Roti made of (Buttermilk) Potato curry, sweet potato chaat, paneer and aloo chaat, sago Porridge made out of 100 gms 1 litre milk, litre water. Wash and soak Taalmakhana Kheer: Cut and roast Sago Khichidi Ingredients: Large sago seeds, green chilies, salt, mango powder, pepper, lemon, |
| Mobile range info: |
| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station: |
| Nearest Airport: |
| Road Transport: |
| Culture of festivities: |
| In all major centers of Shiva worship, Shivratri, also called Maha Shivratri, is a grand occasion. From the very early morning, Shiva temples are filled with devotees, mostly women, who come to perform the traditional worship of the Shivalinga. All throughout the day, devotees abstain from eating food and break their fast only the next morning after which the nightlong worship takes place. This day is considered especially auspicious for women. As on this very day, married women pray for the well being of their husbands Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva are sung with great fervor and devotion. People repeat the Panchakshara Mantra: “Om Namah Shivaya”. It is believed that one who utters the name of Shiva during Shivratri with proper devotion is freed from all sins, he/she reaches the abode of Shiva and lives happily there and it is also believed that he/she is liberated from the cycle of birth and death. |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
| Things to carry: |
| Tips & Suggestions: |
| Help Line/Phone Number: |
| Police Station:100 |
| Nearest Hospital: |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
| Link: |
Category: Fairs and Festivals in Bihar
Sarhul
| Sarhul-Bihar |
| About: |
| Sarhul is the festival of flowers and is the most popular of all the tribal festivals. The festival is observed by Mundas, Oraon and Santhal tribal communities, inhabiting in the regions of Orissa, Jharkhand Sarhul Festival, Bihar, which is similar to the festival of Indian Vasant-Mahotsav, is a festival of flowers. This event offers scope for great merriment, festivity This |
| Time(indian calendar Tithi): |
| Best time to visit: Sarhul Festival in Bihar is celebrated on the last day of Baisakh, which falls in the month of April. |
| Climate/Weather: |
| Jharkhand climate in general is tropical with hot summers and cold winters. There are regional variations. Some parts of the state like Ranchi,Netarhat, and Parasnath have pleasant climate even during the summers. Maximum rainfall takes place during the months from July to September accounting for more than 90% of total rainfall in the state. |
| History: |
| The most important festival for the tribals of Chotanagpur is Sarhul, which translates as the Sal tree blossom, held at the beginning of spring. Sal trees are worshipped in the sacred grove. Different tribes have different ways of celebrating this festival, but each one worships the spirit of the Sal tree to seek its blessings for a good harvest.The deities are worshipped with shaal flowers. The shaal flowers represent the brotherhood and friendship among villagers. The priest is called Pahan and he distributes shaal flowers to every villager. The Prasad is then distributed among the villagers. |
| Importance of festival: |
| It is an important festival of Mundas,celebrated in the month of April. This festival iscelebrated to worship their ancestors. Legend says that once a lion ran after a man and the man escaped and saved his life by hiding himself behind the bush. He at once resolved that once in a year he will offer Sakua’s flowers and leaves and sacrifice a living animal. Since then this festival has been celebrated by the Munda people. |
| Method of Celebration: |
| Puja: During the puja, Pahan comes with three pitchers to Sarna, out of which two pitchers are filled with pond water. It is widely believed by the Mundas that if the water level gets reduced overnight rains fail to come through the year and if the water level remains the same, monsoon arrives on time.Since it is prohibited for women to go to Sarna all the men go to Sarna to offer cooking: On the third day, a hen is sacrificed and eaten after cooking it.If some food material is left over then it is brought to the home and then eaten only by the males. Women are forbidden to eat chicken to let it pick the rice. Munda’s wife also plays an important role in this process.Pahan’s wife with a chicken and all the other women move forward by singing a song and keeping the pitchers on their heads. pitchers: After covering some distance they stop and place their pitchers on the ground, remove impurities from it and wipe on the ground and again they put and wipe on the ground and again they put doing so they reach the border of the village and put their pitchers on the ground and worship. Then they break the pitchers with the stick and leave a chicken in the jungle and run back into the village by some other path. |
| Mobile range info: |
| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station: |
| Nearest Airport: |
| Road Transport: |
| Culture of festivities: |
| The Sarhul festival is celebrated in merry mood, festivity, and enjoyment among people of different age groups. Young maidens and youths sing and dance all night to the beat of the drums, while the elderly crowds, sit around, watch them, and enjoy their song and dance. The tribal communities of Oraon, Mundras, and Santhal celebrate Sarhul Festival in Bihar.The tribal communities that celebrate this festival are spread in Jharkhand, Bihar and Orissa. The Santhals refer to this festival as Baha and celebrate it with great pomp and joy during the months of February and March. On the other hand, the Oraons, celebrate this festival in the months of March and April. They perform a traditional Sarhul Dance at this time. Sarhul Festival lasts for a number of days. |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
| Things to carry: |
| Tips & Suggestions: |
| Help Line/Phone Number: |
| Police Station: |
| Nearest Hospital: |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
Ramnavami
| Ramnavami-Bihar |
| About: |
| Darbhanga Bihar Keeping alive a decades-old tradition, a Muslim family in Bihar Monday celebrated Ramnavami, the birth anniversary of Hindu god Lord Ram, in yet another example of communal amity in India. Shamim Ansari, in his late 20s, is proud of his family tradition that also includes helping Hindu neighbours in making preparations for holy offerings and rituals. The birth anniversary of Lord Rama is celebrated in the The Ramayana is a story of Lord Rama, written by the sage Valmiki in the 4th century B.C. As the legend goes, Lord Rama, eldest son of King Dashratha, was banished to the forest for 14 long years. He Lord Rama was the ideal son, a righteous King, an upright husband and a |
| Time(indian calendar Tithi): |
| Best time to visit: Ayodhya, Apr 14 |
| Climate/Weather: |
| The cold weather commences early in November and comes to an end in the middle of March. The climate in the cold weather is pleasant. The hot weather then sets in and lasts till the middle of June. Like other parts of the northern India,Bihar also experiences dust-storms,thunder-storms and dust raising winds during the hot season. The highest temperature is often registered in May which is the hottest month in the state. The rainy season commences after summer and continues till the end of September. |
| History: |
| In these 14 years of banishment, Rama waged and won a war against the evil Ravana, the King of Lanka, who had kidnapped his wife Sita. He was aided by a band of monkeys, the most loyal of whom is worshipped today as Lord Hanuman. Rama ascended the Ayodhya throne after the triumph over Ravana. Even as he started ruling, he was forced to banish his wife from the kingdom, following a villager’s adverse comment about her association with Ravana. The legend is cited to prove how Lord Rama always lived a life of righteousness (dharma). He was born to destroy the evil and protect the weak. As he embodies the highest ideals of man, he is called the Maryada Pushottam, which means the perfect and best man, someone who follows the path of righteousness against all odds. |
| Importance of festival: |
| Ram Navami is one of the most important festivals of the Vaishnav sect of Hindus. In the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, early morning rituals mark Ram Navami. It entails a havan, chanting of Vedic mantras and offerings of fruits and flowers. A Rama temple is beautifully decorated and the image of the Lord Rama is adorned with rich clothes and jewels. Stories from the Ramayana are read out in joyous public gatherings and satsangs. Most people fast until midnight. They break their fast with a prasad of fruits and milk. This festival is celebrated with great pomp and glory even in Pondicherry, Rishikesh and Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. The Ram Navami fair held at Ayodhya draws a huge crowd of dedicated devotees. In the South, this festival is celebrated for nine days as the wedding of Lord Rama and his lovely consort Sita. People sing and chant the name of the Lord. Devotees have a highly colourful ceremony to mark the wedding celebrations. |
| Method of Celebration: |
| Method: Wash and drain Sabudana and keep it aside.When it gets soft, add to boiling milk.Boil milk till it thickens.After the milk has become dense, dissolve the sugar in water and add to the milk.Cook on medium heat stirring continuously, till thick.Add the cashew nuts and other raisins.Refrigerate and serve after half an hour. |
| Mobile range info: |
| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station: |
| Nearest Airport: |
| Road Transport: |
| |
| In some parts of India, especially Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, public gatherings called satsangs are organised to commemorate the birth of Rama. The pilgrims flock the temples of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, where Rama was born and Pondicherry to participate in Ramnavami festivities. Excerpts from the Ramacharitamanas are recited on the occasion. Rama Leela (the play depicting the major life events of Rama) are organized in different parts of the country. The highlights of the festival are these Ram Leela and colorful processions with brilliant floats of Rama, His consort Sita, brother Lakshmana and the great devotee and monkey-general Hanuman, which are taken out in the streets of different states. People visit sacred places associated with Lord Ram during this holy time. Places like Ayodhya, Ujjain and Rameshwaram, attracts thousands of devotees across the country. |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
| Things to carry: |
| Tips & Suggestions: |
| Help Line/Phone Number: |
| Police Station:100 |
| Nearest Hospital: |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
| Link: |
Kali Puja
| Kali Puja-Bihar |
| About: |
| The convention is that, once begun, Kali puja has to be performed annually for five consecutive years. Kali is worshipped in households as well as communally in puja pandals. Many trantrics perform a tantric form of Kali puja such as Smashana Kali who is tha Kali of cremation grounds. She is similar to Raksha Kali in her appearance and is painted black standing diagonally across Shiva with her left foot forward instead of her right foot. Some Bengalis make a distinction between Daksina meaning right in this case and Vama meaning left according to which foot is placed on Shiva’s chest. Images of Shmashana Kali are worshipped at night in a cremation ground and immersed before dawn. Kali Puja is done to diminish the ego and all negative tendencies that hinder spiritual progress and material prosperity. Performed on the night of Kartik Amavasya, which falls in October/November, Kali Puja is an intense invocation to the fearsome goddess. The main purpose of the puja is to seek the help of the goddess in destroying evil – both in the outside world and within us.The legend goes that long ago the demons, Shambhu and Nishambhu, disturbed the peace of Indra, the king of gods, and his empire (heaven). After extensive and endless battles, the gods lost all hope and the demons became stronger. |
| Time(indian calendar Tithi): |
| Best time to visit: Octobet to Nvember(Hindu calander Dipawali) |
| Climate/Weather: |
| The climate in this region is tropical with hot summers and cold winters. Temperature during the summer months touch a high of 41.1’C and a low of 19.4’C. Winter months are better and the temperature ranges between a maximum and minimum of 19.4’C and 7’C. The monsoon months are July to mid-September. |
| History: |
| Kali puja is celebrated with lots of gusto and fanfare in Bengal after Durga Puja during the time of Diwali. It is believed that Maharaja Krishnan Chandra of Nawadweep was the first to celebrate Kali Puja in his territory. Everyone was ordered to celebrate Kali puja and thus 10,000 images of Kali were worshipped. Ratanti Kali Puja was celebrated in ancient times before the present Kali puja. It is believed that the present form of Kali is due to a dream by a distinguished scholar of Indian charms and black magic or ‘Tantra’ and the author of Tantric Saar, Krishnananda Agambagish, a contemporary of Lord Chaitanya. In his dream he was ordered to make her image after the first figure he saw in the morning. At dawn, Krishnanand saw a dark complexioned maid with left hand protruding and making cow dung cakes with her right hand. Her body was glowing with white dots. The vermillion spread over her forehead while she was wiping the sweat from her forehead. The hair was untidy. When she came face to face with an elderly Krishnananda, she bit her tongue in shame. This posture of the housemaid was later utilized to envisage the idol of Goddess Kali. Thus was formed the image of Kali |
| Importance of |
| The second most important festival is Kali puja held at the dead of night on the new moon of Kartik in October-November. Most forms of Kali are worshipped but the most common is that of Daksina Kali which shows Kali in her generous or boon-giving form. As Raksha Kali she give protection from epidemics or misfortune. In Bengal, Kali is connected with epidemics, especially cholera.The form of Raksha Kali shows here without protruding tongue or garland of human heads and she is only two-armed. She is worshipped if one’s wishes have been fulfilled on the completion of a vrata or vow. |
| Method of Celebration: |
| The popular forms of Kali are Shyama, Adya Maa, Tara Maa and Dakshina Kalika, Chamundi. There are other forms as well. They are known as Bhadrakali who is gentle and Shyamashana Kali who stays at the cremation ground. Kali has four arms and is represented with perhaps the fiercest creatures among all the deities in the world. She has a sword in one hand and a demon’s head on the other. Her other two hands bless her devotees. Her eyes are red and her body is smeared with blood. Her black complexion represents the transcendental nature. Kali is free from all artificial covering beyond all maya or false consciousness. She has infinite knowledge which is represented by the garland o fifty skulls depicting 50 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Her inner purity is represented by her white teeth while her omnivorous nature is depicted in her protruding tongue. Three modes of time, the past, present and future are represented by her three eyes. |
| Mobile range info: |
| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station: |
| Nearest Airport: |
| Road Transport: |
| Culture of festivities: |
| Traditional images of Kali stand at about 4′ tall and show a four-armed Kali standing with right leg forward and placed on the chest of Shiva who lies beneath her. Kali is naked and wears a garland of human heads and a girdle of severed arms. She carries in her bottom left hand a severed head, top left a sword dripping with blood while her other hands are open in blessing and offering protection. Her tongue lolls out of her blood-soaked mouth and her hair hangs dishevelled over her shoulders down to her knees. she wears anklets, armbands, bracelets and a large crown. She is usually given a stylised breast-plate. Kali as her name implies is usually painted black although it is common to see blue images also. If she is painted black, the eyebrows and lines around her eyes and mouth are painted red also. Flashes of red are painted on her arms, legs, torso, palms of the hands and soles of her feet. The red against the black heightens the already gruesome effect of Kali’s appearance. In contract, Shiva is shown as a white, ash-smeared ascetic with matted hair, lying on a tiger skin, surrounded by snakes. Shiva’s eyes are half closed in meditation and he lies on his back with arms behind his head or propped up on an elbow. He wears raksasa beads around his head and is dressed in a tiger skin. In one hand is his dumaru drum and in the other a horn. |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
| Things to carry: |
| Tips & Suggestions: |
| Help Line/Phone Number: |
| Police Station:100 |
| Nearest Hospital: |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
| Link: |
Chhath Pooja
| Chhath Pooja-Bihar |
| About: |
| Chhath Puja is celebrated mainly in Bihar, Utter Pradesh, Chhath or Surya Puja is the main festival of Bihar. Chhat, the thanksgiving festival dedicated to the Sun God Chhat Puja acts as a unifying force both socially and culturally. In Patna, Chhath is a way to be grateful to the Sun for giving the bounties of life on earth and for the fulfillment of wishes of believers. It is a festival of reverence to the solar deity, the only festival in the world where devotees offer salutations to the setting sun. Unlike Holi or Diwali, Chhath is a festival of prayer and appeasement observed with somberness, a festival that should not be missed. It is held in high esteem and regard. Chhath is the festival of truth, non-violence, forgiveness |
| Time(indian calendar Tithi): |
| Best time to visit: Chhath Puja takes place, sometime during the months of October and November, Holi.Hindu lunar month of Kartik |
| Climate/Weather: |
| Bihar climate in general is tropical with hot summers and cold winters. There are regional variations. Some parts of the state like Ranchi,Netarhat, and Parasnath have pleasant climate even during the summers. Maximum rainfall takes place during the months from July to September accounting for more than 90% of total rainfall in the state. |
| History: |
| The ancient Sanskrit epic Mahabharata has references to Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas, worshipping the sun, which was believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and ensure longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. In addition, it is believed that Chhath was started by Karna, the son of Surya, who became a great warrior and fought against the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War. |
| Importance of festival: |
| The Puja holds great importance in our lives and we celebrate it with great devotion.They buy banana, apple, lemon, coconut and gorgan nut to mark the puja. Chatth has a great importance in Bihar and it is being celebrated as per the traditions.People bathe at Ghats, the riverbanks, and pay obeisance to both the rising and the setting sun during the festival. It is celebrated on the sixth and seventh days after Diwali, the festival of lights. Dancing on the tunes of the devotional songs,people offer fruits and flowers to please the Sun God. |
| Method of Celebration: |
| puja: Surya: The sun (the Sun God is worshipped during the festival of Chhath Puja). Chhath: In the context of Chhath Puja, Chhath refers to the number six and the importance of this date on the Indian festival calendar Puja: Various interpretations exist of the word “puja,” including worship with offerings, especially of flowers, and ritual anointment with sandalwood paste. Puja is the combination of the Sanskrit words for sin and birth. Prasad: Prasad: Ritual offerings. Puris: This deep-fried bread, made from wheat flour, is traditionally offered at the festival of Chhath Puja. Thekuwa: This is a wheat-based cake served during the festival of Chhath Puja. RITUALS: Almost immediately after the merriment of Diwali subsided, the solemnity of Chhath takes over. Adult married women of the household make all the preparations that are required for the puja. While the younger women and children take over the everyday household chores, these women begin with a thorough spring-cleaning of all the things that would be used to prepare the prasad or food offerings to the Sun God. Everything, from the kitchen It |
| Mobile range info: |
| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station: |
| Nearest Airport: |
| Road Transport: |
| Culture of festivities: |
| On the day before the festival of Chhath Puja, it is customary for participants to gather on the riverbanks and cleanse themselves, briefly, in the water of the River Ganges.After cleansing, a token amount of sacred water is retained for use as offerings during the festival of Chhath Puja.Before Chhath Puja, people fast throughout the day and into the early evening.The fast is followed by worship in the home. Festive fare consisting of freshly harvested rice, puris (a local bread type delicacy), and fruit such as bananas, coconuts and grapefruit are then served to the family.On the second day of Chhath Puja a strict 24-hour fast is observed; not even water is consumed. Cooking utensils are purified by the senior women of the household, as part of the ritual preparation of offerings for the main part of the celebration of Chhath Puja.At sunset, worshippers proceed to the riverbank bearing their offerings in baskets held high to avoid the impure touch of human hands.The participants then pay homage to the Sun God, at the precise moment of the setting sun.Further celebrations take place at nightfall under temporary canopies made from sugar cane stalks where offerings are laid out as a tribute to the god of fire.Well before sunrise, when the sky is pitch black, worshippers return to the riverbank to pray to the rising sun; this ritual is considered the focal point of the ceremony of Chhath Puja.Following prayers and the purifying bathing ritual, the fast is ended with the offering, or |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
| Things to carry: |
| Tips & Suggestions: |
| Help Line/Phone Number: |
| Police Station:100 |
| Nearest Hospital: |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
| Link: |
Basant panchami
| Basant |
| About: |
| Magh Basant A festival not only gives a welcome break but also adds Basant Panchami, the fifth day of spring, is celebrated by propitiating Goddess Saraswati. As she Saraswati’s vahan or vehicle is the hans or swan. The swan has the ability to hold the mix of water and milk in its beak and spew out pure water from one side and milk from the other side. This is known as neer- Basant Panchami heralds the beginning of spring. Cool lingering breeze replaces the cold harsh winter and there is a touch The |
| Time(indian calendar Tithi): |
| Best time to visit: The festival lies in the month of January-February. |
| Climate/Weather: |
| Bihar climate in general is tropical with hot summers and cold winters. There are regional variations. Some parts of the state like Ranchi,Netarhat, and Parasnath have pleasant climate even during the summers. Maximum rainfall takes place during the months from July to September accounting for more than 90% of total rainfall in the state. |
| History: |
| ‘Since the Vasant festival (utsav) starts from the fifth day (panchami) in the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Magh, that day is called Vasant panchami. The objective of celebrating this festival is to rejoice over and to enjoy the Bliss from the new found divine consciousness (chaitanya) and new creation in Nature. It is also said that Madan, the deity of sex was born on this day. People used to ritualistically worship and pray to Madan and Rati (His wife) for a happy married life. On this day ears of grain of the new harvest are offered to the deity at home and are eaten as new grains (navanna). Since the deity Sarasvati was created on this day, She too is worshipped. It is also considered as the birthday of the deity Lakshmi. Hence this day is also called Shripanchami.’ |
| Importance of festival: |
| The festival of Basant Panchami also marks the beginning of Holi Baithaks. Basant Panchami is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar in the month of Magh. It usually falls in late January or early February. People worship Goddess Saraswati, goddess of intelligence, wisdom and arts. They teach first words to their children and keep their books, notebooks, pens etc near the foot of Ma Saraswati’s idol for her blessings. People fly kites and have various competitions for the same. The festival of Basant Panchami is dedicated to Saraswati, the Goddess of Wisdom. According to the Hindu mythology, the goddess symbolizes constant flow of knowledge and wisdom. Vasant Panchami is also believed as the birthday of Goddess Saraswati. The spring festival of Basant Panchami is especially celebrated in the institutions of learning. As Saraswati is the goddess of learning, Students observe the blessings from Maa Saraswati. Spring is the season when crops are fully bloomed, so people also celebrate this occasion by flying kites. |
| Method of Celebration: |
| The Dances and Fair: The people welcome spring or Basant singing and dancing. The atmosphere resounds with the jingles of the pounding drums. Chounphula and Jhumelia dances are performed on the occasion of Basant Panchami by them. A fair At Rishikesh in Uttaranchal is held within the grounds of the Bharat temple on the occasion of Vasant Panchami. An extremely grand procession of the idol of Lord Bharat is carried through the town demonstrating lots of pomp and splendor. This idol was installed in the temple on this day by Jagat Guru Shankaracharya. Prasad: The “Prasadam” for the Goddess at the time of Basant Panchami celebrations varies from community to community. Some offers “Ber”/- a fruit, that is found in abundance in Northern and Eastern India, or “Sangari”- a kind of bean that grows on the roots of the radish plant. Rituals: The mythological history of Sarasvati associates her with the holy rituals performed on the banks of the river Sarasvati. She is worshipped as a goddess of speech, attributed to the formation of (words), invention of Sanskrit language and composition of hymns. There are various rituals that are followed in the worshipping of goddess Saraswati. The ones common to all those worshipping Saraswati are that the idol of the goddess is clothed in white, the other predominant colour in the celebrations is yellow, to indicate the onset of spring and the blossoming of mustard flowers. Flowers and wild berries are offered to the goddess and students place their books before the deity and do not do any reading or writing that day. An elaborate puja, with sandalwood, ghee, joss sticks, and incense is done to the sound of shlokas, conch shells, and drums. A ritual not connected to the worship but equally essential to the celebration is that of flying kites on this day. Worship: The day of Basant Panchami is dedicated to Goddess Sarasvati. Sarasvati is the goddess of learning who bequeaths the greatest wealth to humanity, the wealth of knowledge. Hindu mythology depicts Sarasvati as a pristine lady bedecked with white attire, white flowers and white pearls, sitting on a white lotus, which blooms in a wide stretch of water. The Goddess also holds Veena, a string-instrument, like Sitar, for playing music. The prayer of Sarasvati finally concludes as, “Oh Mother Sarasvati remove the darkness (ignorance) of my mind and bless me with the eternal knowledge.” |
| Mobile range info: |
| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station: |
| Nearest Airport: |
| Road Transport: |
| Culture of festivities: |
| The festival is celebrated with full vivacity and festivity to mark the end of the winters. It is one of the first festivals of the Year and is c |
Belgada Mela
| About: |
| Belgada Mela in Simaria is another religious festival held in Baisakh purnima. Bhadli mela in Itkhori is one of the Jharkhand temple festivals, where people worship the ancient temple of Goddess Kali and lord Shiva. It is a religious gathering on Makar Sankaranti. Sangharo Mela in Chatra is held in Sawan Purnima in Jharkhand. Cattle fairs in Jharkhand are of an immense popularity. People from near and far, from the state as well as from the neighboring states come to these fairs to buy or sell their cattle. The cattle fairs give everyone a reason to rejoice and take a respite from the mundane day to day living. These fairs also help them in their business. Of the cattle fairs in Jharkhand, one which is pretty well known is the Belgada Mela.The Belgada mela takes place on the day of Baisakhi Purnima. Probably the year in which the Belgada Fair originated . This is also essentially cattle fair though there are other festivities of a fair that can be enjoyed by all during this time.The other cattle fairs in Jharkhand are the Chatra mela which is held during the Durga Puja and two other fairs that take place in Chatra as well. These are the Kundri Mela which is held on Kartik Purnima and the Kolhaiya Mela held on the day of Magh Panchami. Other cattle fairs in Jharkhand are the Titulawa Mela that is held on Falgun Purnima and the Lawalong Mela, held on the day of the Aghan Purnima. |
| Time(indian calendar Tithi): |
| Best time to visit: |
| Climate/Weather: |
| Jharkhand’s climate is tropical in nature with hot and humid summers and cold winters. The climate of the state varies from one region to another region. Some parts of Jharkhand such as Ranchi, Netarhat and Parasanth enjoy a pleasant climate during the summers. The summer season commences early in the month of April and comes to an end by mid-June. Soon after the summers, the rainy season begins and it continues till the end of September. The winter season starts in the month of November and comes to an end by February. |
| History: |
| Belgada Mela in Simaria is another religious festival started in 1920 and held in Baisakh purnima. Bhadli mela in Itkhori is one of the Jharkhand temple festivals, where people worship the ancient temple of Goddess Kali and lord Shiva. It is a religious gathering on Makar Sankaranti. Sangharo Mela in Chatra is held in Sawan Purnima in Jharkhand |
| Importance of festival: |
| Belgada Mela Simaria, Jharkhand is one of the significant fairs, which is held in Baisakh Purnima. It is primarily cattle fair whose origin dates back to the year 1920. It is held at Simaria in Chatra District of Jharkhand and is one of the important cattle fairs in Jharkhand. People come from far and near to see the popular fairs such as Belgada Mela Simaria, Jharkhand. |
| Method of Celebration: |
| Mobile range info: |
| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station: |
| Nearest Airport: |
| Road Transport: |
| Nearest Visiting places: |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
| Things to carry: |
| Tips & Suggestions: |
| Help Line/Phone Number: |
| Police Station: |
| Nearest Hospital: |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
Sonepur Fair – a Bihar Prime Tourist Destination
A traditional Fair that has remained pristine in its charm through the ages it is also the largest cattle fair in Asia.
Legend has it that two brothers, devotees of Lord Vishnu, one wily and the other honest, cast a spell upon each other making one an elephant and the other a crocodile. On a Kartik Purnima day, the honest elephant went to the confluence of the holy river Ganga and Gandak to bathe and was attacked by the wily crocodile. Lord Vishnu himself intervened and helped the good triumph over the evil. With Lord Vishnu’s help the elephant prevailed upon the Crocodile.
Boats at the river banks, a large no. of elephants, camels, horses, cows, buffaloes, oxen, goats, dogs, cats & birds for sale, loosely robed sadhus (holy men), freshly washed animals, shops on the pavements overflowing with goods, swirling crowds in colourful dresses and joyful moods, curious onlookers-such are the scenes that dominate this wonderful fair.
A unique Fair in which imposing Indian elephants are the prime attraction. The central draw of the fair is cattle trade. All species of birds, poultry, bovines and beasts of burden specially elephants, have a market here.
The post-harvest season for paddy crops coincides with this fair. Sales are brisk in food grains, readymade garments, agricultural implements, weapons, furniture, perfumes, costume jewellery, handcrafted folk toys and utensils in wood, copper, brass and steel.
The fair entertains visitors with ‘nautanki’- a typical traditional musical drama performance. Other attractions are the circus, magic shows, fortune-telling parrots, and pedlers of fancy goods.
The Sonepur Mela is indeed A Fair to Remember, year after year.
Fair Duration: A fortnight following the first full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik Shukla Paksh (Kartik Purnima), which occurs in the period October/ November. Precise duration to be checked up every January.
How to reach: Sonepur is 25 kms across the river Ganga from Patna, the capital city of Bihar, which receives direct daily flights from Delhi and Calcutta, and is a major railway junction also linked by road to important towns on the Calcutta-Delhi route.
Where to stay: Fully furnished Swiss-type Cottages (with attached western toilets) in the Tourist village set up at the Sonepur Fair grounds, supported by catering and security facilities, and offering complimentary elephant ride.
For detailed information, accommodation and transport bookings
please contact:
Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) Tourist
Bhawan,
Beer Chand Patel Path, Patna-800 001
Tel: 0612-2225411, 2210219.
Fax: 0612-2236218
FAIRS & FESTIVALS in Bihar
Though Bihar
celebrates almost all the north India festivals, it has a festival that is
unique to the state. Chhath is the most important festival of the state and is
celebrated six days after Diwali, when people from all castes can stand
together in the river and worship the sun god. The rituals related to Chhath
are very stringent and there are several folktales, songs, and special sweets
that make this festival a unique experience.
Tour to Bihar Another unique ritual confined to
Bihar is the Pind-daan performed by the Gayawals in Gaya. It is considered to
be an obligation of all devout Hindus to visit this place after the death of
their parents, a mandatory rite believed to bring salvation to the departed
souls. Though the pind-daan can be performed almost any time of the year,
people prefer to do it during Pitrapaksha, which is the period just before
Navratri and generally falls in September.
In the summer month of June, the people of
Mithila in the village of Saurath organize a unique marriage mart in a mango
orchard. During this fair, parents whose children are of marriageable age come
here and the Mithila Brahmins settle a record number of marriages during this
time.
Sonepur is the venue of a grand cattle fair held
in the month of November. The fair is ranked as the world’s largest and it is
not simply confined to animal trade but numerous shows and performances are
also a part of the fair. Visitors also pay obeisance at the nearby temple of
Hariharnath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Tourist places in Bhagalpur
Introduction
Bhagalpur is one of the oldest districts of Bihar, located in the eastern part of the state. It was once rated among the six best silk-producing Indian cities, and is still known as ‘Silk City’. Here, the river Ganga flows towards the north and is, therefore, referred to as ‘Uttarvahini Ganga’.
One of the major industries here is the power generation unit of National Thermal Power Corporation. The power plant is situated at Kahalgaon, nearly 30 km from Bhagalpur district HQ town. Bhagalpur is well-connected by rail to most parts of the country, and is a major station between Kiul Junction and Howrah on the Delhi-Patna-Kolkata route.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Kuppa Ghat
Also known as Mehi Ashram, it was founded by revered Hindu saint Maharshi Mehi
Das. Situated on the bank of river Ganga, it is an epitome of peace and
serenity and it is a divine experience to spend time here.
Jain temple The famous temple of Vaasupujya Bhagwan Mahavir Jain is
located at Nathnagar, and it attracts thousands of tourists and Jain devotees
from across the country.
Karngarh
Situated in the Nathnagar area on the outskirts of Bhagalpur city, it used to
be the abode of King Kama. The grandiosity with which Dussehra puja is
organised here is to be seen to be believed.
Burhanath Temple
Situated on the bank of river Ganga in Jogsar locality, this ancient Lord Shiva
temple, known to command mystic energy, attracts people from different walks of
life. It is also known as Dudheshwara Mahadev Temple.
Khanqah-e-Shahbazia
Situated at Mulanachak, near the Bhagalpur railway station, it has been an
important reli- gious place and seminary of the Muslim community since the
Mughal era. A rich library having books on Arabic and Persian theological works
is also there at Khanqah-e-Shahbazia. It has a Holy Quran transcribed by
Murshid Quli Khan, the Nawab of Murshidabad.
Ghuran Peer Baba
Situated near the Kutchery Chowk, the place is famous among followers of all
faiths. Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs as well as others assemble here every Friday to
seek the blessings of ‘Peer Baba’, who is believed to command sacred powers.
Mandar Hill
Nearly 50 km from Bhagalpur at Bounsi on Bhagalpur-Dumka state highway, the
site is associated with’ a legend according to which this is the mountain that
was used for ‘Amrit Manthan’ (to churn the ocean for procuring nectar). The
legend has it that a ‘naag’ or snake was tied around the mountain to churn the
ocean, and people believe the snake that was used as a rope has left an
impression on the hill. A month-long Bounsi Mela is organised on the foothills
of Mandar every year. Mandar Hill is equally revered by Jains who believe that
their 12th Tirthankar attained ‘nirvana’ here.
Ajgaibinath Temple Situated nearly 39 km from Bhagalpur city at
Sultanganj on the bank of river Ganga, Ajgaibinath Temple of Lord Shiva is
visited by lakhs of devotees through out the year. The rush is huge during the
Shravan month of Hindi calendar. During the month-long Shravani fair, people
pay obeisance to Lord Shiva before proceeding to another temple at Deoghar in
Jharkhand. They also collect holy water from the river Ganga here and carry it
to Deoghar for offering it on the ‘Shivalinga’ in the Deoghar temple.
Yogini Dham
Nearly 100 km from Bhagalpur in Godda district, it is a famous rel gious place
of Goddess Durga. The original temple is situated on the mountain, and the
route to the temple is a replica of the famous Vaishno Devi cave in Jammu.
Hindus believe that people’s wishes are fulfilled after a visit to the temple
and that the sick are cured after they lie down on the platform of the temple.
Ruins of Vikramshila University Situated at Antichak in Kahalgaon
sub-division, 38 km from Bhagalpur, ancient Vikramshila University was hailed
as an epitome of learning and civilization during the Pala dynasty period of
783-820 AD. The university was established by King Dharampala of the Pala
dynasty of the then Bengal province (now Kahalgaon) in the year 783 AD.
Museum
There’s a museum at Sandy’s compound which remains open from 10.30 am to 4.30
pm every day except Monday. Entry is free.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Bihula-Bishahari Puja or Mansa Puja
It is a local festival held’ at Nathnagar every July. Snakes are worshipped at
the Bishahari Sthan which is believed to be the site where a devout lady’s dead
husband became alive.
Durga Puja
It is celebrated with typical Bengali fervour. Broari (community) style of puja
at Durgabari and Kalibari, which is famous among the traditionally rich Bengali
community, attracts people from far-off places.
Kali puja
Bhagalpur’s Kali puja is also quite famous. ‘Akharas’ (mock display of
traditional combat art and martial art) are taken out on the roads as part of
the idol immersion processions.
HOW TO REACH
By Air:(Air Route Map)
Nearest Airport
Nearest airport: Patna Bhagalpur is prominently there on the Indian Railways’ map, and there are trains from all major stations, including Patna,to Bhagalpur.While the rail route distance between Bhagalpur and Patna is 223 km, it’s 240 km by road. Private taxis can be hired from Patna to go to Bhagalpur. Taking a train to the Silk City is wiser, though.
The rail route distance between Bhagalpur and Kolkata, capital city of West Bengal, is 456 km while it’s 465 km by road.
By Rail: (Rail Route Map)
Nearest railhead
Bhagalpur.
By Road:
Connected by good roads with all Indian cities.
Where to Stay:
Private Hotels/Guest Houses and Dharmshalas are available at Bhagalpur.
Hotel Rajhans International, STD Code: 0641, Phone: 2409411-15, 2300507; Fax: 2400816
AC and non-AC rooms and suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 2,495
Hotel Nihar, STD Code: 0641, Phone: 2400516, 2400336, 9304236321
email: niharhotel@rediffmail.com
AC and non-AC rooms and suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 1,500
Hotel Panchwati, STD Code: 0641, Phone: 2401023, 2401027, 2420494; Fax: 2421285
Email: krishnasic@rediffmail.com
AC and non-AC rooms and suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100.
Hotel Bhawan International, STD Code: 0641, Phone: 2408010, 2408011, 2426219, 9430021760
Email: hotel_bhawna@yahoo.co.in
AC and non-AC rooms and suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 599 to 1,800.
Hotel Sriyash Regency, STD Code: 0641, Phone: 2409397, 2409485
Email: sukulsanjoy@yahoo.com
AC and non-AC rooms and suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 599 to 1,800.
Single & double AC rooms & AC suites available with tariff ranging from Rs 1,200 to 2,085
Besides, there are several other budget hotels, guest houses & dharmashalas at Bhagalpur.
WHERE TO EAT
Royal Darbar: 9431422219
Mayfair: 2403853
The Treat: 9934877541
Hot Bits: .2420579
Big Bite: 2306857
Adarsh Jalpan: 2420524
Manali: 2303077
Local Transport:
Hired taxis/buses/Auto-rickshaws/ Cycle-Rickshaws/ Tangas.
In Emergency, Contact, STD Code: 0641
Inspector General of Police: 2400101, 2400901
District Magistrate: 2400012 (Off), 2401202 (Res), 9431213543 (Mobile)
Superintendent of Police: 2400103 (Off), 2401003 (Res), 9431800003 (Mobile)
Dy SP (Law & Order): 2420853 (Off), 2420824 (Res), 9431822601 (Mobile)
Kotwali Police Station: 2421302, 2461901
Police Control Room: 2400701, 100
Medical Emergencies,Contact, STD Code: 0641
Dr. S.N.Jha: 2400096, 2421752, 9431214233
Dr. B.K.Sinha: 2420710, 2422160, 9431214212
Dr. Manoj Kumar Jha: 2422144, 2424755
Dr. Mrityunjay Kumar: 2422077, 2420823, 9431214115
There are more than 50 nursing homes, private hospitals and clinics of different special- izations apart from a government hospital and Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital (JLN- MCH) at Bhagalpur.
Tourist Season
October to March.
Clothing: Light cotton in summer and woolen in winter (specially during November to January).