Arrah (Ara), located in the Bhojpur region of Bihar, reflects deep cultural roots, traditional crafts, and local flavours. While Arrah itself is a compact city, it is closely connected to Bihar’s famous art forms, hand-crafted products, and regional food traditions. The following souvenirs represent the culture, heritage, and everyday life of Arrah and surrounding Bihar, making them meaningful keepsakes for visitors.
1. Madhubani Paintings
Madhubani painting is one of Bihar’s most well-known folk art styles. These paintings are created using natural colours and feature themes from mythology, nature, village life, and festivals. In Arrah, you can find Madhubani art in the form of framed paintings, cloth paintings, notebooks, and small decorative items.
Why buy it:
It is lightweight, visually rich, and instantly represents Bihar’s cultural identity.
Best for:
Home décor, wall art, gifts.
2. Manjusha (Angika) Folk Art
Manjusha art is a traditional storytelling art form of Bihar. It usually uses bold colours like red, green, and yellow and tells stories from local folklore. Today, Manjusha art appears on paintings, wooden boards, and decorative panels.
Why buy it:
It is less common than Madhubani and feels unique and traditional.
Best for:
Wall décor and collectors of folk art.
3. Tikuli Art Decorative Items
Tikuli art originated as a traditional decorative art for bindis and later evolved into wooden and metal artwork. You will find trays, coasters, wall plates, and small showpieces decorated with Tikuli patterns.
Why buy it:
Bright, elegant, and easy to carry.
Best for:
Table décor, gifting, souvenirs for offices.
4. Sujani Embroidery Products
Sujani embroidery is a traditional hand-embroidery technique of Bihar. It is commonly used on quilts, cushion covers, wall hangings, and fabric panels. The embroidery often tells stories of rural life and social themes.
Why buy it:
Each piece is handmade and culturally meaningful.
Best for:
Textile lovers, home décor, traditional gifts.
5. Terracotta and Clay Handicrafts
Terracotta items made from natural clay are widely available in Bihar. In and around Arrah, you can find clay lamps, small figurines, pots, and decorative items made by local artisans.
Why buy it:
Earthy, traditional, and deeply connected to village craftsmanship.
Best for:
Decorative shelves, festive décor, cultural keepsakes.
6. Sikki Grass Craft Items
Sikki grass is a natural golden-coloured grass used to make baskets, boxes, mats, and decorative items. These products are lightweight, eco-friendly, and durable.
Why buy it:
Sustainable, handmade, and distinctly Bihari.
Best for:
Eco-friendly gifts, storage items, decorative boxes.
7. Bamboo and Cane Handicrafts
Bamboo and cane crafts include baskets, trays, small furniture pieces, and utility items. These are common in Bihar and widely used in daily life.
Why buy it:
Practical, sturdy, and handmade using natural materials.
Best for:
Utility décor, storage, rustic home styling.
8. Lac Jewellery and Bangles
Lac jewellery is made using natural resin and comes in bright colours. Bangles, earrings, necklaces, and small ornaments are commonly sold in local markets.
Why buy it:
Affordable, traditional, and colourful.
Best for:
Traditional wear, gifting, ethnic accessories.
9. Bhagalpuri (Tussar) Silk Products
Bhagalpuri silk, also known as Tussar silk, is one of Bihar’s premium textiles. While full sarees may be heavy, tourists often prefer scarves, dupattas, or small fabric pieces.
Why buy it:
Elegant, natural silk with a rich texture.
Best for:
Fashion accessories, premium gifts.
10. Khurma (Traditional Bhojpur Sweet)
Khurma is a popular local sweet in the Arrah and Bhojpur region. It is dry, crunchy, mildly sweet, and made from wheat flour and sugar, making it suitable for travel.
Why buy it:
Authentic local taste that lasts longer than syrup-based sweets.
Best for:
Edible souvenir, sharing with family and friends.
Where to Buy Souvenirs in Arrah
Most of these items can be found in:
- Local markets near Arrah Chowk
- Babu Bazar area
- D.T. Road and nearby lanes
- Small handicraft and gift shops across the city
Local markets are the best places to find handmade items and regional sweets.
Practical Shopping Tips for Visitors
- Always check if items are handmade or locally produced.
- Bargaining is common in street markets, but do it politely.
- Prefer smaller art pieces and textiles for easy luggage packing.
- For food items, ask about freshness and shelf life.
Final Note
Arrah may be a small city, but its souvenirs reflect Bihar’s rich art, craft traditions, and Bhojpur culture. Buying these items not only gives you lasting memories but also supports local artisans and small businesses.
I am a travel writer and regional storyteller dedicated to documenting the culture, heritage, daily life, and travel experiences of Bihar. Through Mera Apna Bihar, I share local insights, real travel stories, and on-ground experiences that highlight the true spirit of Bihar for readers, travelers, and culture enthusiasts.
In addition to regional storytelling, I curate travel narratives and destination experiences through HolidayLandmark Stories, where journeys, city moments, and authentic travel experiences are documented in a story-driven format:
HolidayLandmark – Travel Stories
I also manage a growing network of city-focused travel platforms where I regularly publish daily travel logs capturing real-time journeys, local discoveries, and everyday experiences across India:
Bangalore Orbit – Daily Logs
Bhopal Orbit – Daily Logs
Chennai Orbit – Daily Logs
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Mera Apna Bihar – Daily Logs
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For readers seeking deeper insights, curated content, and structured travel information, I also publish city blogs and destination guides across multiple platforms:
Bangalore Orbit – Blog
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Mera Apna Bihar
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Through this interconnected network, my goal is to preserve regional stories, promote local culture, and provide authentic travel information that reflects the real experiences of people and places across Bihar and India.