Culture and Heritage of Bihar: Festivals, Folk Dances, Handicrafts, and Traditions

Bihar is one of the oldest cultural centers in India. It is known for its rich heritage, art, literature, dance, festivals, and food. The people of Bihar live a simple life deeply connected to their traditions and spirituality.

Bihar: Festivals, Folk Dances, and the Legacy of Madhubani Painting

1. Languages and Literature

• Main languages: Hindi, Bhojpuri, Magahi, Maithili, Angika, and Urdu.
• Hindi – Official language; Urdu – Second official language; Maithili – Recognized regional language.
• Famous writers: Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Phanishwar Nath Renu, and Baba Nagarjun.
• Event: Patna Literature Festival celebrates Bihar’s literary legacy.

2. Folk Music of Bihar

• Music is an important part of Bihari life.
• Songs are sung during different occasions:
  • Sohar – at childbirth
  • Sumangali – during weddings
  • Ropnigeet & Katnigeet – during sowing and harvesting
• Instruments used: Dholak, Harmonium, Tabla.

3. Folk Dances

• Bihar’s folk dances are colorful and joyful:
  • Jhijhian Dance – performed by women praying for rain.
  • Kajari Dance – celebrates the monsoon season.
  • Jat-Jatin Dance – shows the love and life of rural couples.
  • Jhumeri Dance – performed under the full moon by married women.

4. Art and Handicrafts

• Famous for Madhubani (Mithila) paintings – made with natural colors on walls, paper, or cloth.
• Common themes: gods, goddesses, and nature.
• Other crafts: bamboo and wooden toys, stone pottery, lac bangles, Sikki grass items.
• Muzaffarpur – famous for lac bangles.
• Vaishali – known for handmade toys.
• Patna Qalam painting – shows Mughal influence in Bihar’s fine art.

5. Sculptures and Architecture

• Bihar’s art and architecture are ancient and rich.
• Didarganj Yakshi and Sultanganj Buddha – famous ancient sculptures.
• Barabar Caves (3rd century BCE) – oldest rock-cut caves in India.
• Nalanda and Vikramshila Universities – great examples of Buddhist architecture.
• Sher Shah Suri Tomb and Maner Sharif – examples of Mughal architecture.
• Patna High Court and Bihar Vidhan Sabha – Indo-Saracenic style buildings.

6. Festivals and Fairs

• Chhath Puja – most important festival of Bihar; dedicated to the Sun God.
• Sama-Chakeva – celebrated in Mithila; marks migration of birds and sibling love.
• Other festivals: Ram Navami, Diwali, Eid, Holi, Teej, Bihula, Madhushravani.
• Major fairs: Pitrapaksha Mela (Gaya) and Sonepur Cattle Fair.

7. Performing Arts and Cinema

• Folk drama: Bidesia, Sama-Chakeva – popular in rural Bihar.
• Bhojpuri Cinema – famous for stories of rural life and culture.

8. Food and Cuisine

• Famous dishes: Litti Chokha, Khichdi, Kadhi Bari, Dal Pitha, Sattu Paratha.
• Popular sweets: Thekua, Khaja, Anarsa, Tilkut.
• Food is simple, healthy, and flavorful.

9. Traditional Dress and Jewelry

• Men: Dhoti-Kurta or Lungi.
• Women: Sarees with regional draping style (Seedha Aanchal).
• Married women wear Sindoor and jewelry like Chandrahar, Panchlari, Hansuli.

Question & Answer

Q1. Which is the most important festival of Bihar?
(a) Diwali
(b) Chhath Puja
(c) Holi
(d) Teej
Answer: Chhath Puja
Explanation: Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, and it is the most important festival of Bihar.

Q2. Madhubani paintings are also known by which other name?
(a) Patna Art
(b) Mithila Paintings
(c) Bhojpuri Paintings
(d) Maithili Canvas
Answer: Mithila Paintings
Explanation: Madhubani art originated in the Mithila region of Bihar and is often called Mithila paintings.

Q3. The Didarganj Yakshi sculpture belongs to which period?
(a) Gupta Period
(b) Mauryan Period
(c) Mughal Period
(d) British Period
Answer: Mauryan Period
Explanation: Didarganj Yakshi is a fine example of Mauryan stone sculpture showing advanced artistic skills.

Q4. Which folk dance of Bihar is performed by women praying for rain?
(a) Jat-Jatin
(b) Kajari
(c) Jhijhian
(d) Jhumeri
Answer: Jhijhian
Explanation: Jhijhian dance is performed by women to pray for rainfall and a good harvest.

Q5. Which city of Bihar is famous for lac bangles?
(a) Patna
(b) Muzaffarpur
(c) Gaya
(d) Nalanda
Answer: Muzaffarpur
Explanation: The craftsmen of Muzaffarpur are known for making colorful and beautiful lac bangles.

Q6. The Barabar Caves belong to which historical era?
(a) Gupta Era
(b) Mauryan Era
(c) Mughal Era
(d) Modern Era
Answer: Mauryan Era
Explanation: The Barabar Caves, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, are the oldest rock-cut caves in India from the Mauryan period.

Q7. The Patna Qalam painting style shows the influence of which empire?
(a) Gupta
(b) Mughal
(c) British
(d) Pala
Answer: Mughal
Explanation: Patna Qalam painting style developed under Mughal influence and is known for its fine detailing.

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