Culture of Bihar

Experience the vibrant traditions, festivals, arts, and cuisine that define Bihar's soul

Festivals & Celebrations

Bihar's calendar is filled with colorful festivals that bring communities together

Chhath Puja
October-November
Chhath Puja
Sacred festival dedicated to Sun God, celebrated with devotion by standing in water

Most important festival of Bihar

Sonepur Mela
November-December
Sonepur Mela
Asia's largest cattle fair, a month-long celebration of trade and culture

Ancient trading tradition

Sama-Chakeva
November
Sama-Chakeva
Folk festival celebrating sibling love, especially brother-sister bond

Celebrates family bonds

Traditional Arts & Crafts

Discover Bihar's rich artistic heritage passed down through generations

Madhubani Painting
UNESCO recognized
Madhubani Painting
Traditional art form using natural colors and depicting mythological themes
Origin: Mithila region
Sujni Embroidery
GI tagged
Sujni Embroidery
Traditional needlework creating beautiful patterns on fabric
Origin: Rural Bihar
Tikuli Art
Ancient craft
Tikuli Art
Miniature paintings on handmade paper with intricate details
Origin: Patna

Authentic Bihari Cuisine

Taste the flavors that have been cherished for centuries

Litti Chokha
Main Course
Litti Chokha
Roasted wheat balls served with mashed vegetables, Bihar's signature dish

Ingredients: Wheat, Sattu, Vegetables

Thekua
Sweet
Thekua
Sweet deep-fried cookies made during festivals, especially Chhath

Ingredients: Wheat flour, Jaggery, Ghee

Sattu Drink
Beverage
Sattu Drink
Nutritious drink made from roasted gram flour, perfect for summers

Ingredients: Roasted gram flour, Spices

Folk Music & Dance

The rhythms and melodies that echo Bihar's cultural spirit

Bidesia
Folk theater combining music, dance, and drama depicting social issues
Bhikhari Thakur tradition
Jat-Jatin
Traditional folk songs narrating love stories and rural life
Village communities
Jhumar
Group dance performed during harvest festivals with rhythmic movements
Folk dancers

Cultural Values

The principles that guide Bihari society

Respect for Elders
Deep reverence for wisdom and experience
Community Unity
Strong bonds within families and communities
Cultural Pride
Preservation of traditions and heritage
Spiritual Values
Integration of spirituality in daily life