Festivals of Bihar
Bihar is the most populous state of Eastern India. The region of Bihar was historically considered the center of power, learning, and culture. Magadha, in Bihar, was the origination of the first empire of India, the Mauryan Empire. This state has a rich culture and it is portrayed by the variety of festivals celebrated here. Chatth Puja is the most widely celebrated festival of Bihar. It is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Surya, the Sun God. It takes place 6 days after the auspicious occasion of Diwali. According to Ramayana, Lord Rama and Sita came home to Ayodhya on Diwali and the Ramrajya was established six days after. On this day both Rama and Sita kept fast and Chatth Puja was performed by Sita and she was blessed with Luv and Kush as her sons. Hence, Chathh Puja is celebrated to mark this auspicious occasion after Diwali.
In addition to this, Bihar observes many other grand festivals like Sama Chekava, to celebrate the bond between siblings, Shravani Mela, observed in the month of Shravan (July-august), Makar Sakranti Mela, to welcome the harvesting season, and many other fairs and festivals. People of Bihar celebrate all these festivals keeping in tough with their roots and tradition.
Dates of festivals that follow the lunar calendar can shift by a day depending on the moon and on official notifications. Please confirm with your state government or employer before planning.