Bihar Utsav showcases the heritage and history of Bihar

New Delhi: Fifteen-day long Bihar Utsav organizing by Govt. of Bihar on Foundation day of Bihat in Hall No. 15 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi tried to showcase the heritage and history of Bihar and its onward journey in the contemporary phase.

As we enter the premises, we pass through Barabar caves situated in Jehanabad District, which is the oldest surviving rock cave in India mostly dating from Mauryan period 322-185 BC. These caves were used by Budhist and Jain ascetics. On the left, stage has been set up against the back drop of Nalanda University, where one can go back in time and also enjoy the cultural programme to be held every evening. The Nalanda University is one of the first great universities in recorded history and has been a Buddhist centre of learning from 427 to 1197 AD.

The scene under the papal tree depicts a famished and bone thin Budha accepting pysum from Sujata. Sujata was a maiden, who offered Buddha, a bowl of Milk porridge after he had given up the path of asceticism following 6 year of extreme austerities.

The right side depicts the scene when Veer Kunwar Singh one of the leaders of Indian rising of 1857, in the last battle fought in 1858, while crossing the Ganga, was badly wounded, he served his injured limb and flung it into the river Ganga as his last offering to the Ganga and he died next day.

It also carries the sculpture of peer Ali Khan, who was actively involved in the first war of impendence of 1857 in Patna division. The entry to the main hall is through a model of Bodhi Temple the most important place for Buddhist. This temple is one of shrines of the 84000 shrines erected by king Ashoka. This is an eye catching land mark where the famous papal tree is situated, the place where Buddha attained nirvana.

A Bihari cuisine corner has been set up with in premises which will sell mouth watering dishes, all from Bihar, The main Bihar foods are Litti, Paratha, Sattu, Seekh Kabab, Sawai, Kheer, Keema, Curries, Khichdi and Halwa.

Source: Press release and photos by Image Creations