Fairs and Festivals of Bihar | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Fairs in Bihar

• Vaishali Fair: Held in April, this fair attracts Jains from across the country for scholarly discussions.
• Sitamarhi Fair: Celebrated in April on Ramnavami, this fair honors Rama, Sita, and Hanuman, and features the ceremonial marriage of Ram and Janki.
• Saurath Fair: Taking place in May-June, this 15-day fair in Madhubani district facilitates marriage alliances, with astrologers and matchmakers offering their services.
• Baunsi Fair: Held at the foothills of Mandar hill in Banka, this fair draws people to bathe in a holy kund where it is believed Lord Vishnu bathed.
• Malmas Fair: One of India’s largest fairs, this month-long event in Rajgir attracts tourists who also enjoy bathing in the hot springs of the region.

Pitrapaksh Fair

• The Pitrapaksh Fair takes place in the Gaya district of Bihar during the dark fortnight of the month of Ashwin (September-October). This fair is dedicated to making offerings to ancestors with the hope of achieving salvation and peace for their souls.
• Significance: The fair holds great religious significance for Hindu followers who gather from various places to participate. The offerings are made at the Vishnupad temple, which is specifically designated for this purpose.

Baba Brahmeshwarnath Fair

• The Baba Brahmeshwarnath Fair is held in Brahmapur village, located in the Buxar district of Bihar. This fair occurs twice a year, on Shivratri and Baishakh (October-November), specifically on Krishna Paksha Ekadashi.
• Rituals: Before participating in the fair, people pour water on the Brahmeshwarnath deity, and then they throng to the fair. The fair is primarily focused on animals.

Buxar Fair

• The Buxar Fair is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Paksha Navami, which coincides with Ramnavami. This fair is believed to commemorate the visit of Lord Rama and Laxman to this place during the Treta Yuga, where they received education from Vishwamitra.
• Significance: The fair attracts a large number of visitors who come to participate in the festivities and pay homage.

Sonpur Fair

• The Sonpur Fair is the largest and oldest fair in Bihar, commencing from Kartik Purnima (October-November) and continuing for one month. It is renowned as the largest animal fair in Asia, with its origins dating back to 1850.
• Activities: The fair involves the buying and selling of various animals, including cattle, bulls, elephants, and horses. It attracts a significant number of foreign visitors as well. The Sonepur Fair is also known as Harihar Kshetra Mela and holds both religious and cultural significance, reflecting the rural background of the region.

Simariya Fair

• The Simariya Fair takes place in Simariya village, situated in the Begusarai district of Bihar, during the month of Kartik (October-November). This fair is characterized by the ritual of bathing in the Ganges and later giving alms.
• Kalpavas Fair: The fair is also referred to as the Kalpavas Fair because pilgrims from various parts of India, as well as from Nepal and Bhutan, come here to live on the banks of the Ganges in temporary shelters made of grass hay. Two fairs are held at this location each year.

Diwali Fair/Pawapuri Fair

• Pawapuri, located in the Nalanda district of Bihar, is the site where Mahaveer, the 24th Jain Tirthankar, attained Nirvana.
• Fair Details: On Diwali, a significant fair is organized in Pawapuri, attracting a large number of Jain people who come to participate in the festivities.

Patna Sahib Gurudwara Fair

• Patna Sahib is a sacred place for Sikhs as it is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru. Sikhs from all over the country visit this Gurudwara to pay their respects.
• Fair Occasion: A big fair is held at Patna Sahib Gurudwara on Guru Gobind Singh’s birthday, attracting a large gathering of Sikhs who come to celebrate the occasion.

Sahodra Fair

• The Sahodra Fair is celebrated by the Tharu community in West Champaran district. It takes place in the old temple dedicated to Mother Subhadra in Sahodra.

Patna Book Fair

• The Patna Book Fair was initiated in 1971 and has been organized regularly every two years since 1988.
• Organizers: The fair is organized by the National Book Trust (NBT) with the aim of promoting the habit of reading books among the public.

Singheshwar Sthan Fair

• The Singheshwar Sthan Fair is held in Madhepura district, Bihar. Singheshwar Sthan is renowned for its Shiva temple, where devotees come to pour water over the Shivlinga, especially on Shivratri.
• Fair Details: Along with the religious activities, a large fair is organized at this place, which includes an animal fair.

Aries Equinox Fair (Mesh Sankranti Fair)

• The Aries Equinox Fair is known by various names in different parts of Bihar, such as Satuani, Satua Sanskrati, or Sirua-Visua. It is celebrated on the same day as the Navanna Bhazava festival.
• Celebrations: During this fair, items like barley-gram flour, mangoes, seasonal fruits, fans, and pitchers are sold and purchased. While the fair is celebrated throughout Bihar, it holds particular relevance in Kakolat.

Badgaon Fair

• The Badgaon Fair takes place in Nalanda district during Chhath Puja. It involves rituals where people bathe and take a dip in a pond located in the area, followed by offering prayers to the Sun God.
• Similar Fairs: Similar fairs are organized during Chhath Puja in various other places in Bihar, including Aurangabad, Patna, and Bhojpur.

Shravani Fair

• The Shravani Fair takes place during the monsoon months of Shravan and Bhadrapad. It involves a remarkable journey of 105 kilometers, where participants draw water from Sultanganj in Bihar and travel to Devghar in Jharkhand. 
• This water is offered to the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Shiv ling) as a sacred ritual. People from all over Bihar and Jharkhand come together to take part in this spiritual event.

Other Fairs in Bihar

Festivals in Bihar

Some important festivals in Bihar are as follows:

Makar Sankranti

• Makar Sankranti is celebrated on January 14th and marks the Sun's transition to the Northern hemisphere. In Bihar, people celebrate by eating Dahi-Chura (yogurt and flattened rice) and Tilkut, a sweet made of sesame seeds and jaggery. 
• They also prepare a dish called Khichri, made of rice and lentils.

Saraswati Pooja

• Saraswati Pooja is observed on Basant Panchami, which falls in January or February. 
• On this day, clay idols of Goddess Saraswati are worshipped, and the following day, the idols are immersed in water.

Shivratri

• Shivratri commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati and is celebrated across North, Central, East, and West India.
• It falls in the month of Phalgun (March-April) on the Chaturdashi (fourteenth day) of Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the moon). Unmarried girls observe a fast on this day and worship Shiv-Parvati.

Holi

• Holi is celebrated throughout North India in the month of Phalgun (March-April) and marks the arrival of spring. It begins with Holika Dahan, the night before Holi, when people light bonfires. 
• The next day, known as Holi, people play with colors, symbolizing the vibrant colors of spring. In Bihar, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm, promoting unity and harmony among people.

Ram Navami

• Ram Navami is observed on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) in Chaitra (April) to celebrate the birth of Lord Rama. 
• On this day, flags with Hanumana insignia are unfurled in courtyards, temples, and other sacred places.

Mahaveer Jayanti

• Mahaveer Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Mahaveer, the 24th Tirthankar, who was born in Vaishali, Bihar. This auspicious occasion is celebrated on the 13th day of Chaitra during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon).
• Devotees gather at Jain temples to engage in religious discourses and discussions about Lord Mahaveer’s teachings. This day is also referred to as Vaishali Mahotsav, highlighting its significance in the Jain community.

Buddha Jayanti

• Buddha Jayanti is a significant day that commemorates the enlightenment of Lord Buddha. This day is observed on the full moon day, known as Purnima.
• In various places, especially in Bodh Gaya, where Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana, people celebrate this day with great enthusiasm. Devotees gather to discuss and reflect upon the teachings of Lord Buddha, sharing his wisdom and insights.

Madhu-Shravani

• Madhu-Shravani is a festival celebrated in the month of Shravan (July-August), primarily by newly married women in the Mithila region. 
• This festival is dedicated to praying for the long and healthy life of their husbands.

Teej

• Teej is a festival that falls in the month of Bhadrapad (July-August), specifically on the third day of Shukl Paksha (waxing phase of the moon). This festival is observed by married women whose husbands are alive.
• Women participate in fasting and worshipping Goddess Parvati, praying for the long life and well-being of their husbands.

Nag-Panchami

• Nag-Panchami is celebrated in the month of Shravan (July-August), on the fifth day (Panchami) of that month. This festival holds special significance in the regions of Mithila and Ang in Bihar.
• It is also known as Vishhara. On this day, devotees express their reverence by feeding snakes (Nag) with milk, honoring these creatures and seeking their blessings.

Raksha-Bandhan

• Raksha-Bandhan is a festival celebrated across North India, falling on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Shravan (July-August). This festival symbolizes the special bond between brothers and sisters.
• On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) around their brothers’ wrists, signifying their love and affection. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters and cherish their bond.

Bihula

• Bihula is a renowned festival celebrated in Eastern Bihar, particularly in the Bhagalpur district. This festival is steeped in various myths and legends, and people participate in it with great fervor.
• During Bihula, devotees pray to Goddess Mansa, seeking her blessings for the welfare and prosperity of their families. The festival involves rituals and offerings dedicated to the goddess, reflecting the cultural significance and devotion associated with this occasion.

Chauth Chandra

• Chauth Chandra is a festival observed in the month of Bhadrapadh (August-September), particularly in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar. This festival holds special meaning for women, who prepare various sweet delicacies and observe fasting on this day.
• One of the traditional dishes prepared during Chauth Chandra is pidakiya, a mixture made from semolina. This festival is a time for women to come together, celebrate, and indulge in the preparation of these special treats while observing the fasting ritual.

Indra Puja

• Indra Puja is a festival celebrated in the month of Bhadrapadh (August-September) and spans over nine days. During this festival, devotees bring idols of Lord Indra and worship them with devotion for the entire duration.
• The festival involves various rituals and offerings made to Lord Indra, seeking his blessings and grace. One of the notable events during Indra Puja is the fair held at Madhubani, which attracts many visitors and adds to the festive atmosphere. This fair is a significant part of the celebrations and showcases the vibrant culture and traditions associated with Indra Puja.

Vishwakarma Puja

• Vishwakarma Puja is observed annually on September 17th. In Hindu belief, Vishwakarma is regarded as the divine architect and craftsman responsible for creating the universe. On this day, people worship their tools, machines, and vehicles, seeking blessings for skill and craftsmanship.
• The puja involves offering prayers to Vishwakarma, requesting him to bestow skills and expertise upon the worshippers. It is a day dedicated to honoring craftsmanship and the skills involved in various trades and professions.

Durga Puja

• Durga Puja is a major festival celebrated in Bengal and is also observed with enthusiasm in Bihar. The festival involves the worship of beautifully crafted clay idols of Goddess Durga during the month of Ashwin (September-October).
• On Vijayadashmi, the final day of the festival, these idols are immersed in rivers as a symbolic farewell to the goddess, who returns to her husband’s home. This ritual signifies the end of the festivities and the return of the goddess to her celestial abode.

Jeutia/Jivitputrika

• Jeutia, also known as Jivitputrika, is celebrated on the 8th day of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Ashwin (September-October). This festival involves a rigorous Nirjala (without water) fasting observed by mothers throughout the day and night for the well-being of their children.
• The festival spans three days and is marked by various rituals and prayers for the health and prosperity of children. Jivitputrika is a time of devotion and commitment by mothers, reflecting their love and concern for their offspring.

Vijayadashmi

• Vijayadashmi is a festival that signifies the victory over evil. It is celebrated on the 10th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin, which usually falls in September or October. This day is believed to mark the return of Lord Rama to his home after defeating the demon king Ravana.
• To commemorate this victory, effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnada, and his brother Kumbhakarna are burned. Additionally, it is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura, further symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Bhai Dooj

• Bhai Dooj is celebrated in the month of Kartik, one day after the festival of Deepawali. 
• This occasion is dedicated to strengthening the bond between brothers and sisters.

Akshay Navami

• Akshay Navami falls on the ninth day of Sukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu calendar. This festival is observed in the Mithilanchal region of India. 
• On this day, people worship the Amla tree, also known as the Gooseberry tree, as it is believed to be the abode of gods. Women prepare food under the Amla tree, continuing the tradition of offering meals in this sacred space. Dhanteras

Diwali

• Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya in the month of Kartik, which usually falls in October or November. It is a significant festival for both Hindus and Jains, although they celebrate it for different reasons.
• Hindus mark Diwali as the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
• Jains observe it as Nirvan Diwas, the day when Lord Mahaveer attained liberation.
• Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights and follows Dhanteras, a day when people purchase new utensils. On Diwali, devotees worship Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha, seeking their blessings for prosperity and well-being.

Chhath Puja

• Chhath Puja is the most significant festival in the state of Bihar, celebrated six days after Diwali in the month of Kartik. This festival is believed to have been started by King Karna of Anga. During Chhath Puja, the Sun God is worshipped with the belief that it will cure diseases and ensure longevity and prosperity for everyone.
• The eldest or most prominent person in a family observes a fast without water for 42 hours, from the dawn of the first day to the sunset of the next day. Fruits, vegetables, and other foods are offered to the Sun God, and the worship is performed while standing knee-deep in a river or pond. Women sing folk songs in honor of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiyya during this festival.
• Chhath Puja is also called Surya Sashti and holds a special place in the culture of Bihar. Fairs are organized in places like Surajpur in Nalanda, Badhgaon, and Den in Aurangabad during this occasion.

Govardhan

• Govardhan is celebrated to commemorate the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill to protect the villagers from the wrath of Indra. 
• This festival is observed on the first lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu calendar.

Vat Savitri

• Vat Savitri is celebrated in the month of Jyestha by married women who pray for the long life of their husbands. On this day, women worship Savitri and Brahma below the oak tree and tie sacred threads around the tree. 
• They also observe a fast. This festival is primarily celebrated in the Mithilanchal region of India.

Devotthan Ekadashi/Deothan

• Devotthan Ekadashi, also known as Deothan, falls on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik. 
• On this day, people offer sugarcane, jaggery, and sugar beet to God as it is believed that God awakens from a four-month slumber on this day.

Kartik Purnima

• Kartik Purnima occurs in the month of November. People take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers in Sonepur and Hajipur. 
• This day is considered auspicious as it is believed that Lord Vishnu came to this place to save an elephant from a crocodile's clutches.

Eid-ul-Fitr

• Eid-ul-Fitr is the largest festival for Muslims, marking the end of Ramzan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Muslims fast for 30 days during Ramzan, and Eid is celebrated on the last day of this month. 
• On Eid, people eat Sevai and wear new clothes. It is believed that the composition of the holy Quran was completed during the month of Ramzan.

Eid-al-Adha

• Also called the festival of Sacrifice.
• Commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command.
• Celebrated in the last month of the Islamic calendar.

Muharram

• Observes the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his family in the Battle of Karbala.
• Muharram is the first month of the Arabic calendar.
• Observed for the first 10 days of the Islamic calendar.
• Followers carry processions and distribute food to the poor.
• Symbolizes sacrifice for truth.

Sama-Chakeva

• A popular festival in Bihar, especially in Mithila, celebrated in the month of Kartik.
• Dedicates to the celebration of the brother-sister relationship.
• Girls make clay idols of seasonal birds that migrate from the Himalayas and decorate them in traditional ways.
• Various rituals are performed, and the festival ends with the 'vidai' (farewell) of the idols, wishing for their return the next year.

Christmas

• The biggest festival among Christians, celebrated on 25th December every year to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Easter, believed to be Christ’s resurrection day, is also celebrated by Christians, usually on the Sunday after Good Friday.
• On Christmas, Christians celebrate with pomp and show, while Easter is observed with prayer.

Prakash Utsav

• Celebrated in December by the Sikh community to mark the birth of the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, on 22nd December 1666.
• People light candles in gurudwaras, and large processions take place.

Chitra Gupta Puja

• Celebrated in Bihar, particularly by the Kayastha community, on the day after Bhai Dooj in the month of Kartik.
• Involves worshipping books and pens to honor Chitra Gupta, the divine accountant.
• Kayasthas, traditionally engaged in knowledge-related work, celebrate this festival as a mark of their heritage.

Kojagora

• Celebrated on Sharad Purnima, mainly in the Mithila region.
• Involves the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha by newly married couples to bring prosperity to their homes.
• Sweets and butter hold special significance during this festival.

Mahotsav in Bihar

Bihar is known for its grand celebrations of various festivals, referred to as Mahotsavs. These festivals showcase the rich culture, heritage, and traditions of the state. Here are some of the prominent Mahotsavs celebrated in Bihar:

Patliputra Natya Mahotsav

• Timing: Held annually in February or March.
• Origin: Initiated in 1985 in Patna to promote theatre.
• Organizers: NGO ‘Prayas’, State Government, and Central Government.
• Venue: Kalidas Rangalaya, Patna.
• Purpose: To encourage and promote theatrical performances in Bihar.

Rajgir Mahotsav

• Location: Fort of Ajatshatru, Rajgir.
• Inception: First organized in 1986, with a hiatus from 1989 to 1994.
• Revival: Restarted in 1995 and held annually.
• Purpose: To promote historical and heritage tourism in Bihar.
• Activities: Dance festivals and various cultural activities.

Vikramshila Mahotsav

• Commemoration: In honor of the ancient Vikramshila University.
• Inauguration: First held in 2007 in Bhagalpur district.
• Organizer: Bihar Tourism Department.
• Activities: Various cultural events to celebrate the heritage of Vikramshila.
• Historical Note: Vikramshila is referred to as Shrimadvikramsheeldev Mahavihara in Tibetan texts.

Tapovan Mahotsav

• Date: January 14th, every year.
• Location: Tapovan, 18 km from Rajgir.
• Significance: Believed to be a meditation site for the four sons of Brahma, hence of great religious importance.
• Inception: Started in 2015.
• Attendance: Attracts visitors from all over Bihar.

Patna Sahib Mahotsav

• Organizer: Bihar Tourism Department.
• Duration: Two-day event held annually.
• Timing: Around Baisakhi.
• Location: Patna, near Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.

Champaran Mahotsav

• Purpose: To commemorate the first freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Historical Significance: Marks the revolt of indigo farmers against the British.

Mandar Mahotsav

• Location: Under Mandar hill, Banka district.
• Mythological Significance: Mandar hill is believed to be used as a churner during Samudra-Manthan, a significant event in Hindu mythology.
• Ritual: Pilgrims take a dip in the holy pond nearby, believed to wash away sins, and engage in charitable acts.

Vanavar Mahotsav

• Location: Jehanabad district, also known as Barabar.
• Historical Significance: The site is famous for ancient Mauryan caves, sculptures, and scriptures.
• Cultural Heritage: Celebrates the art, culture, and history of Bihar.
• Participation: Attracts visitors from countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Japan, and Bhutan.

Vaishali Mahotsav

• Significance: Celebrates the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, an important figure in Jainism.
• Timing: Held during the month of Chaitra (March-April), on the thirteenth day.
• Activities: Cultural programs, discussions, and processions on the life of Mahavira.
• Pilgrimage: Part of the Jain pilgrimage circuit, with a focus on Jain religious artifacts.

Mithila Mahotsav

• The Mithila Mahotsav is an annual event organized by the Bihar Tourism Department and the Cultural Heritage and Youth Works Department of Bihar. It aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Mithila, particularly the famous Madhubani paintings that are recognized worldwide.
• During this festival, students and art enthusiasts gather in large numbers to learn about and experience the art of Madhubani painting. The event features various activities and exhibitions related to this traditional art form, attracting people who are interested in preserving and promoting Mithila's cultural legacy.

Maner Sharif and Makhdum Saheb Ka Urs

• The Urs festival is observed on different dates in Maner and Bihar Sharif, commemorating the Sufi saint Makhdum Saheb Yayiya Shah Maneri. Maner, named after this saint, sees both Hindus and Muslims visiting his holy shrine to pay their respects.
• In Bihar Sharif, the Urs is celebrated in honor of Makhdum Saheb, further uniting people of different faiths in remembrance of the saint's spiritual legacy.