Top 10 Souvenirs to Buy in Purnia

Purnia

Here’s a complete guide to the Top 10 souvenirs you can buy in Purnia (also spelled Purnea), Bihar (India) — ideal for tourists and new visitors who want to take home something meaningful, unique, and truly representative of the region. Purnia is a culturally vibrant city with local crafts, traditional foods, and artisanal items that make wonderful keepsakes or gifts for friends and family.


1. Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories

Purnia’s local artisans create beautiful handmade jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and ethnic anklets. These pieces often incorporate traditional patterns and materials, making them perfect souvenirs that reflect the artistic culture of the region.


2. Artisan Pottery and Ceramics

Locally made pottery and ceramics, including decorative bowls, pitchers, clay figurines, and terracotta items, are great souvenir choices. These pieces are typically found in local markets and are characterized by earthy tones and traditional designs.


3. Handwoven Textiles & Embroidery

Traditional textiles like handwoven scarves, dupattas (stoles), cushion covers, table linens, and embroidered fabrics are wonderful local buys. Sujani embroidery is one of the traditional art forms from this region, often seen in these products.


4. Jute & Natural Fiber Products

Purnia’s artisans work with natural fibers like jute and banana fiber to produce items such as bags, coasters, baskets, and decorative pieces. These eco-friendly products are both sustainable and practical, making them a thoughtful souvenir choice.


5. Traditional Bihari Sweets & Snacks

Sweet treats like khaja, tilkut, chikki (peanut brittle), and other Bihari confections are popular souvenir choices. They are easily packed for travel and make perfect gifts for food lovers.


6. Thekua (Traditional Sweet)

Thekua is a traditional sweet snack from Bihar made of wheat flour, jaggery (or sugar), ghee, and spices. It’s a delicacy associated with festivals and makes a perfect edible souvenir.


7. Wooden Crafts & Decorative Items

Purnia’s markets feature hand-carved wooden items, including decorative boxes, figurines, keychains, and home accent pieces. These items are crafted by local artisans and are great as keepsakes or gifts.


8. Local Art & Wall Hangings

Local paintings, hand-drawn sketches, and folk-style art pieces that reflect Purnia’s cultural heritage can often be found in city markets. These pieces capture the essence of the region and make a great addition to any home.


9. Regional Handicrafts from Local Markets

Purnia’s local bazaars, such as Bhatta Bazar and Nagar Palika Bazar, are great places to find handcrafted decorative items, small trinkets, and culturally inspired souvenirs. These items often showcase the traditional art and culture of Bihar.



10. Local Gift Items & Custom Keepsakes

Gift and souvenir shops in Purnia offer a wide variety of personalized items such as mugs, cushions, lamps, photo frames, and stationery. These are practical and easy to pack, making them ideal personalized mementos.


Souvenir Shopping Tips for Purnia

  • Support locals: Whenever possible, buy directly from artisans rather than from middlemen to support the local economy.
  • Ask about origins: Some handmade items have stories behind them — ask vendors about how and where they were made.
  • Pack carefully: Edibles and clay items can break; carry protective packaging or buy from shops that pack them for travel.