Culture - 3 - BPSC (Bihar) MCQ

The Sonpur Fair, also referred to as Harihar Kshetra Mela, is the largest animal fair in Asia. Held during Kartik Purnima (October-November), it continues for a month. Known for its trading of cattle, elephants, and horses, it draws both domestic and international visitors. The fair reflects Bihar's rural culture and religious significance.

The Pitrapaksh Fair is held in Gaya, Bihar, during the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October). It is of immense religious importance for Hindus, who gather at the Vishnupad temple to perform rituals for their ancestors, seeking peace and salvation for their souls.

The Singheshwar Sthan Fair, held in the Madhepura district, is closely associated with Shivratri. Devotees pour water over the sacred Shivlinga at the Singheshwar Sthan Shiva temple. The fair also features an animal trade, drawing a large number of visitors.

The Simariya Fair, held in the Begusarai district, is centered on the ritualistic bathing in the Ganges during the month of Kartik (October-November). Known as the Kalpavas Fair, it attracts pilgrims from India, Nepal, and Bhutan who live in temporary shelters near the riverbank for the duration of the event.

The Saurath Fair, held in Madhubani district during May-June, is unique for its focus on arranging marriage alliances. Astrologers and matchmakers offer their services to prospective families, following traditional practices. This fair reflects the cultural and social heritage of Bihar.

Jeutia/Jivitputrika is observed on the 8th day of Krishna Paksha in Ashwin (September-October). During this festival, mothers undertake a Nirjala fast (without water) for their children's health and prosperity. This reflects their devotion and love for their offspring. The festival lasts for three days and includes various rituals and prayers.

The Champaran Mahotsav commemorates the first freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi against British rule. This event, known as the Champaran Satyagraha, highlighted the plight of indigo farmers and their resistance to colonial oppression. The Mahotsav celebrates Bihar's historical contribution to India's independence struggle.

The Shravani Fair is a significant monsoon festival where devotees undertake a 105-kilometer journey from Sultanganj in Bihar to Devghar in Jharkhand. They draw holy water from the Ganges and offer it to the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga. This ritual symbolizes devotion to Lord Shiva and brings together devotees from Bihar and Jharkhand.

Makar Sankranti, celebrated on January 14th, marks the Sun's movement to the Northern Hemisphere. In Bihar, people celebrate it by eating traditional foods like Dahi-Chura (curd and flattened rice) and Tilkut (a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery). It is a harvest festival symbolizing the end of winter.

The Vikramshila Mahotsav, first held in 2007, is organized in the Bhagalpur district to honor the legacy of the ancient Vikramshila University, a prominent center of Buddhist learning. The Bihar Tourism Department conducts this event, which features cultural programs that celebrate the region’s historical significance.

Football was introduced in Bihar in 1897 under the initiative of the English Shield in association with the Patna Athletics Association, which became one of the earliest institutions to promote the sport in the state. The introduction of football marked a significant milestone in Bihar's sports culture, and tournaments organized by the Patna Athletics Association played a pivotal role in popularizing the game. Over the years, the state produced renowned football players such as Shri C Prasad, who captained the Indian national team in 1971 and was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award for his outstanding contributions. Other notable players include Mewalal and PK Banerji, who further highlighted Bihar’s legacy in football. The state continues to host various football tournaments under the Bihar Football Association, which is affiliated with the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Nirupama Pandey, hailing from Siwan, Bihar, made history by becoming the first person from Bihar to scale Mount Everest on May 25, 2011. Her journey to the summit was a testament to her determination, rigorous training, and passion for mountaineering. In addition to Everest, she successfully climbed several other peaks, including Mt Stok Kangri, Mt Gulab Kangri (Leh), Mt Kamet, Mt Abhigamin (Garhwal), and Mt Saser Kangri (Ladakh), showcasing her exceptional mountaineering skills. For her remarkable achievements, she was honored with the Ati Vishishth Khel Samman by the Bihar Government. Nirupama’s accomplishments not only brought pride to Bihar but also inspired many aspiring mountaineers to pursue their dreams.

The Moin-ul-Haq Stadium, located in Patna, is the largest sports stadium in Bihar, with a seating capacity of 25,000 spectators. This iconic venue has hosted numerous significant events in Indian sports history, including a 1996 Cricket World Cup match between Zimbabwe and Kenya. Named after the celebrated hockey player Moin-ul-Haq, the stadium has also hosted national and international football and cricket tournaments. Despite facing challenges in infrastructure maintenance, it remains a symbol of Bihar’s rich sporting tradition and continues to serve as a training ground for emerging talent. The 1996 World Cup match added to its legacy, attracting global attention and positioning Bihar as a contributor to international cricket.

The Patna Pirates is a professional Kabaddi team from Bihar that has gained significant popularity in the Pro-Kabaddi League (PKL). Established in the inaugural season of the PKL, the team has consistently showcased strong performances, earning them a reputation as one of the top teams in the league. They were the first team to play 100 matches in the PKL, a testament to their consistency and dominance. The team is owned by Rajesh V Shah, coached by Ram Mehar Singh, and captained by Pradeep Narwal, a star player renowned for his outstanding raiding skills. Their home ground, the Patliputra Sports Complex, serves as a hub for Kabaddi fans in Bihar. The Pirates have won multiple PKL titles, bringing pride to the state and inspiring a new generation of Kabaddi players in Bihar.

The Mukhyamantri Khel Vikas Yojana is a flagship initiative by the Bihar Government aimed at promoting sports and nurturing young talent across the state. As part of this program, Eklavya Rajya Awasiya Khel Prashikshan Kendras have been established in various districts to provide state-of-the-art training facilities to promising athletes. Currently, 29 centers are operational in 16 districts, with plans to expand further. These centers offer comprehensive training in multiple disciplines, helping athletes prepare for state and national competitions. This initiative is complemented by other schemes like the ‘Come and Play’ Programme and district-level gymnasium facilities, ensuring holistic development of sports culture in Bihar. By identifying and supporting young talent, the Mukhyamantri Khel Vikas Yojana has become a cornerstone in Bihar’s journey towards becoming a prominent sports hub.