Festivals of Bihar

Major Festivals

Discover the vibrant celebrations that define Bihar's cultural identity

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Chhath Puja

October-November

Bihar's most sacred and significant festival, Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya. This four-day festival involves rigorous fasting, holy bathing in rivers, and offering prayers at sunrise and sunset. The sight of thousands of devotees standing in water, offering prayers to the rising and setting sun, creates a mesmerizing spectacle along the ghats of rivers like the Ganges.

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Durga Puja / Navratri

September-October

A nine-day celebration honoring Goddess Durga, this festival is celebrated with special grandeur in Patna and Muzaffarpur. Elaborate pandals (temporary structures) housing beautiful idols of the goddess are set up across cities and towns. Cultural performances, traditional music, dance, and special food mark this vibrant festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

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Diwali

October-November

The Festival of Lights is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Bihar. Homes and streets are illuminated with oil lamps (diyas) and colorful lights. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for prosperity and wealth. Families exchange sweets and gifts, burst crackers, and create beautiful rangoli designs. The entire state glows with warmth and festivity during this auspicious occasion.

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Holi

March

Also known as Phaguwa in Bihar, Holi is the vibrant festival of colors that welcomes spring. People smear each other with colored powders and water, dance to folk music, and share traditional sweets. The festival is particularly famous for its unique Bihari traditions like "Holi Milan" gatherings and special delicacies such as gujiya, mathri, and thandai. The celebrations often continue for several days in rural areas.

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Eid-ul-Fitr

Varies (Islamic calendar)

Celebrated by the Muslim community after the holy festivals-month of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr is marked by special prayers, feasting, and exchange of gifts. In cities like Patna, Gaya, and Bhagalpur, mosques are beautifully decorated, and people dress in their finest clothes. The festival promotes brotherhood and community bonding, with special dishes like sewaiyan (sweet vermicelli) and biryani being prepared in every Muslim household.

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Makar Sankranti / Til Sankranti

January 14

This harvest festival marks the sun's transition into Capricorn. In Bihar, it's celebrated with special foods like tilkut (a sweet made of sesame and jaggery), chura-dahi (flattened rice with yogurt), and various seasonal delicacies. People fly colorful kites, take holy dips in rivers, and engage in traditional games. The festival also involves charitable giving and seeking blessings from elders.

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Sama-Chakeva

November–December

A folk festival of the Mithila region (Darbhanga, Madhubani), celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters and praying for rain. Families make and decorate clay birds, sing traditional songs, and perform special rituals at riverbanks.

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Jitiya (Jivitputrika Vrat)

September–October

Rural mothers in Bihar observe this fast for the longevity and well-being of their children. The day involves strict fasting, chanting the Gayatri mantra, evening prayers, folk songs, and traditional processions.

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Basant Panchami / Saraswati Puja

January–February

A day dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge. Schools and colleges celebrate by wearing yellow, flying kites, and seeking blessings for education. Universities such as Patna and Darbhanga host colorful fairs and live cultural events.

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Ram Navami

March–April

Celebrated as Lord Rama’s birthday in major temples of Patna, Bhagalpur, and Darbhanga. Devotees participate in processions, recite the Ramayana, chant Vedic mantras, and hold evening aartis with devotional singing.

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Raksha Bandhan

August

Sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their long life and prosperity. Families exchange sweets, enjoy traditional dishes, and celebrate in a joyous atmosphere.

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Janmashtami

August

Celebrated as Lord Krishna’s birth, temples in Patna, Gaya, and Madhepura host Rasleela performances, processions, and devotional singing. At midnight, devotees perform a special aarti and distribute sweets like kheer.

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Buddha Purnima

April–May

Observed in Bodh Gaya to commemorate Lord Buddha’s enlightenment. Temple bells ring, monks chant prayers, and peaceful ceremonies are held. Pilgrims from around the world gather to meditate and pay their respects.

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Mahavir Jayanti

April

The birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir Swami is celebrated in Jain temples of Patna, Bhagalpur, and Raxaul with special rituals, devotional hymns, and charity events. Temples are decorated with white drapes and community service is a key feature.

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Teej (Hariyali & Hartalika)

July–August

Women dress in traditional attire to worship Banyan, Peepal, and Tulsi trees. Swings are decorated with flowers, folk songs are sung, and devotional dances are performed. In rural areas, communities gather for bhajan-kirtans and processions.

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Nag Panchami

July–August

A festival dedicated to serpent deities. In rural areas, devotees offer milk and rice at snake shrines near fields, place offerings in snake pits, and perform rituals to honor and seek protection from snakes.

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Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

January

Celebrated at Patna Sahib Gurudwara to mark the birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The event features kirtan, continuous recitations, langar, and small processions. Devotees participate in community meals and devotional programs.

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Muharram

Varies (Islamic calendar)

Observed by the Shia community in Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur with taziya processions, ta'zia displays, qawwali performances, and mourning rituals. The atmosphere is solemn, with congregational recitations and communal prayers.

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Pitru Paksha Mela (Gaya)

September–October

A ritual fair in Gaya during Pitru Paksha when pilgrims perform shraddh rites and pind daan for their ancestors. Devotees take holy dips in the Falgu River, offer rice balls, and participate in charitable feasts and religious ceremonies at the ghats.

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Sonepur Mela

November–December

Asia’s largest cattle fair, also known as the Harihar Kshetra Mela. Held in Sonepur, it features the trade of cattle, horses, elephants, and handicrafts, as well as cultural performances. Temple processions and exhibitions add to the vibrant atmosphere.