SOME FASTIVALS OF BIHAR
- CHHATH PUJA
Chhath puja is the most famous and original celebrated festival among the many fairs and festivals of Bihar. It is an ancient Hindu festival in the worship of ‘Surya’, the sun deity. It is celebrated 6 days after Diwali in worship and honoring the sun for its sustenance and blessings. The observers of the puja perform fasts and prayers and distribute sweets, kheer (rice pudding), and fruits. One witnesses the true spirit of the festival when thousands of devotees gather on the banks of the holy Ganges river before sunrise for the conclusion of Chatth puja.
- MAKAR SANKRANTI
Makar Sankranti is the harvest festival of Bihar, similar to Pongal in South India, Lohri in North India, and Bihu in Assam. Like every other holy festival, it is marked with pujas, offerings of flowers to the gods, and holy dips in the Ganges. The famous Makar Sankranti mela is held in Rajgir and Mandar Hills, Banka district, in January. The sky is littered with pretty and colorful kites flown by children. Makar Sankranti is one of the biggest fairs and festivals in Bihar.
- BIHULA
Bihula or Bishari puja is celebrated in the Bhagalpur district, Bihar, in August every year. The people worship goddess Mansa and pray for protection over their families. The festival celebrates and displays the Manjusha form of art. The celebration of Bihula originates from the folktale of a girl Bihula who prayed to the goddess Mansa who restored the life of her husband, Lakshinder.
