Famous Festivals of Bihar You Should Know | Adotrip

Festivals of Bihar

Bihar, a state steeped in ancient history and vibrant culture, is home to some of India's most iconic festivals. These festivals go far beyond rituals; they are a vivid reflection of the region's deep-rooted traditions, folklore, and faith. From religious ceremonies to folk celebrations, the festivals of Bihar offer a window into the state’s soul. Whether you’re a traveler, a culture enthusiast, or a curious observer, these festivals provide a perfect reason to explore Bihar’s rich heritage.

In this blog, Adotrip takes you on a cultural journey to explore the famous festivals of Bihar you should know about.

1. Chhath Puja – A Celestial Salutation to the Sun God

When: October–November (6th day after Diwali)
Where: State-wide, especially in Patna, Gaya, and rural regions along riverbanks

Chhath Puja is perhaps the most iconic and spiritually significant festival in Bihar. Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, this ancient Vedic festival is celebrated with immense devotion. It’s unique in its rituals—devotees offer prayers standing in water, fast without water for over 36 hours, and prepare special offerings like thekua and kharna.

Highlights:

• Ritual bathing in rivers

• Devotional folk songs

• Evening and morning Arghya (sunset and sunrise offerings)

• Community celebration on ghats

2. Sonepur Mela – Asia’s Largest Cattle Fair

When: November (Kartika Purnima)
Where: Sonepur, near Hajipur

Held at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers, the Sonepur Mela is one of Asia's largest cattle fairs. It is not just about animals; it is a cultural extravaganza with folk dances, local cuisine, and a vibrant market.

Highlights:

• Elephant, horse, and livestock trading

• Rural craft bazaars

• Folk music and circus shows

• Pilgrimage at Hariharnath Temple

3. Bihula – A Celebration of Devotion and Sacrifice

When: August
Where: Bhagalpur and nearby districts

Bihula commemorates the legendary story of a devoted wife who saved her husband from a snakebite with her unwavering faith. The festival blends mythology with devotion and is particularly celebrated by the Bhagalpur community.

Highlights:

• Mythological plays and processions

• Folk songs based on the Manasa Mangal

• Women fasting and praying for family welfare

4. Makar Sankranti – Tilkut and Kite Festivals

When: January 14
Where: Across Bihar

Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s transition into Capricorn and is celebrated with tilkut (sweet made of sesame and jaggery), kite flying, and bonfires. It’s a festival of joy, gratitude, and the harvest.

Highlights:

• Kite flying competitions

• Distribution of tilkut and chura dahi (flattened rice with curd)

• Holy dips in rivers

5. Sama-Chakeva – Celebration of Sibling Love

When: November (after Chhath)
Where: Mithila region

A unique festival in the Mithila region, Sama-Chakeva celebrates the love between brothers and sisters. The festival has deep folk traditions, especially among the Maithil community.

Highlights:

• Clay idols of Sama and Chakeva

• Songs and dances by women

• Night celebrations with rituals and lights

6. Jitiya – Fasting for Children’s Well-being

When: September–October
Where: Especially in Mithila and Bhojpuri regions

Jitiya is a mother’s fast observed for the prosperity and longevity of her children. It’s known for strict fasting rules and the chanting of traditional Jitiya songs.

Highlights:

• 24-hour dry fast by mothers

• Mythical stories of Jimutavahana

• Traditional food like marua roti and nonkha saag

7. Ram Navami – Celebration of Lord Rama’s Birth

When: March–April
Where: Temples across Bihar, especially in Sitamarhi and Buxar

Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama and is observed with grandeur in Bihar. Religious processions, bhajans, and spiritual talks are organized throughout the state.

Highlights:

• Ram Leela enactments

• Processions with devotees in saffron attire

• Distribution of prasad

8. Madhushravani – A Festival for Newlyweds

When: July–August
Where: Mithilanchal (Darbhanga, Madhubani)

Madhushravani is an important festival for newly married women in Bihar. It integrates folk traditions, rituals, and oral storytelling, often centered around the legends of serpent deities.

Highlights:

• Worship of snake goddesses

• Traditional stories narrated by elders

• Ritual fasts and flower offerings

9. Nag Panchami – Reverence to Snake Deities

When: July–August
Where: Across Bihar

On Nag Panchami, snakes are worshipped as divine protectors. Clay or real snakes are offered milk and devotees pray for protection from snake bites and evil.

Highlights:

• Snake temples attract thousands

• Women draw snake motifs at home

• Traditional pujas and hymns

10. Durga Puja – A Grand Celebration of Goddess Durga

When: September–October
Where: Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya

Durga Puja in Bihar is a community-driven affair with intricately decorated pandals, aarti, and dance-dramas. Though more prominent in West Bengal, Bihar celebrates it with equal fervor, especially in urban centers.

Highlights:

• Pandals with mythological themes

• Dussehra fairs and fireworks

• Immersion processions of idols

Why the Festivals of Bihar Are Unique

The festivals of Bihar reflect a rare mix of devotion, folklore, regional pride, and community spirit. Unlike commercialized events in other regions, Bihar’s festivals are grounded in simplicity, storytelling, and spirituality. Whether it’s the rustic setting of Sonepur Mela or the sunrise arghya during Chhath Puja, each festival is an immersive experience that resonates with every soul.

Cultural Importance of Bihar’s Festivals

• Preservation of Oral Traditions: Many festivals involve storytelling, songs, and legends passed down through generations.

• Boost to Local Economy: Fairs like Sonepur Mela attract traders and tourists, supporting rural artisans and farmers.

• Spiritual Connection: Festivals like Chhath Puja and Jitiya showcase unmatched levels of devotion and personal sacrifice.

Best Time to Visit Bihar for Festivals

If you want to witness the spiritual and cultural glory of Bihar, plan your trip between October and February. This period includes:

• Chhath Puja

• Sama-Chakeva

• Sonepur Mela

• Makar Sankranti

• Ram Navami (in early spring)

Adotrip can help you plan your journey with real-time travel insights, itineraries, and bookings.

FAQs About Festivals of Bihar

Q1. Which is the most important festival of Bihar?
A: Chhath Puja is considered the most significant and widely celebrated festival in Bihar.

Q2. What is Sonepur Mela famous for?
A: Sonepur Mela is Asia's largest cattle fair, known for livestock trade, rural arts, and religious pilgrimage.

Q3. Why do people celebrate Jitiya in Bihar?
A: Jitiya is celebrated by mothers for the long life and well-being of their children through fasting and prayers.

Q4. When is Chhath Puja celebrated?
A: It’s celebrated on the sixth day after Diwali, usually in October or November.

Q5. What food is special during Bihar’s festivals?
A: Dishes like thekua, tilkut, chura dahi, and litti chokha are widely prepared during festivals.

Q6. What are the rituals of Sama-Chakeva?
A: Sisters worship clay idols of Sama and Chakeva while praying for their brothers' well-being.

Q7. Is Durga Puja celebrated in Bihar?
A: Yes, especially in cities like Patna and Muzaffarpur, where pandals and processions are grand.

Q8. What is Madhushravani, and who celebrates it?
A: Madhushravani is celebrated by newly married women in Mithilanchal for marital bliss and family harmony.

Q9. How do people celebrate Makar Sankranti in Bihar?
A: With kite flying, eating tilkut, and taking holy dips in rivers.

Q10. Are Bihar’s festivals safe for tourists?
A: Yes, most festivals are community-driven, and tourists are welcomed warmly, especially during Chhath and fairs.

Conclusion

The festivals of Bihar are more than just dates on the calendar—they are living traditions that connect generations. Each celebration brings with it stories of devotion, joy, and cultural pride. If you want to explore India beyond the mainstream, immerse yourself in these incredible festivals with Adotrip and discover the soul of Bihar.

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