Bihar, situated in the eastern part of the country, the place that gave birth to Buddhism and Jainism and helped in the growth of Sikhism and Hinduism, has a past that is unmatched anywhere in the world. It was the center of first republic in the world at Vaishali. The city of Patliputra was largest and grandest in the world at the height of its glory. To Bihar's north is the Kingdom of Nepal. On its other three sides Bihar is surrounded by the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south and West Bengal to the east. Patna is the capital of Bihar. Bihar was called Magadha in ancient times. Its capital Patna, then known as Pataliputra, was the center of the Mauryan empire, which dominated the Indian subcontinent from 325 BC to 185 BC. Emperor Ashoka was the most famous ruler of this dynasty. Bihar remained an important place of power, culture and education during the next one thousand years. The Vikramshila and Nalanda Universities, were among the oldest and best centres of education in ancient India but got destroyed by wars in the medieval period. Tourism
There is an array of tourist destinations of diverse interests in the state. Bihar is intimately linked to the Buddha's life, resulting in a trail of pilgrimages which have come to be known as the Buddhist circuit. The Buddhist trail begins at the capital city, Patna, where a noteworthy museum contains a collection of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures.
Weather
The climate of the state is tropical with hot summers and cold winters. Monsoon brings medium to high rainfall and floods several areas in north Bihar. Humidity levels remain high in north and central Bihar throughout the summer and monsoon season, making them quite uncomfortable. Places of Tourist Interest
Bodhgaya : Bodhgaya is the place where the Prince Siddharth attained the supreme enlightenment and became 'The Buddha', the enlightened one. This the place where the saga of Buddha began and Buddhism was born here under the Peepal Tree. Bodhgaya has naturally developed into the most sacred spot for Buddhists from all over the world, especially the affluent south East Asia. It is 13 km. from Gaya town. Apart from a Budhist pilgrimage destination, Gaya is also an important Centre of Hindu Pilgrimage where people go to pray for the salvation of their ancestors. Nalanda : Nalanda has a very ancient history. Lord Vardhamana Mahavir and Lord Buddha frequently visited it in the 6th century BC. During his sojourns, the Lord Buddha found this place prosperous, swelling, teeming with population and containing mangogroves. It is also supposed to be the birthplace of Sariputra, one of the Chief disciples of the Lord Buddha. Nalanda, where ruins of the great ancient university have been excavated, is situated at a distance of 90 km. south east of Patna by road. It falls on way to Rajgir. It is also linked by rail with Patna, Rajgir and Bakhtiyarpur (on DelhiHowrah main track). The great stupa flanked by flights of steps and terraces, votive stupas and beautiful sculpture give the present day tourists a glimpse of the past glory that once was Nalanda. Many of the stupas were two or even three times built one over the other on the same spot. A row of monastery sites lies from south to north. By and large all of them are of the same pattern. But most important of them is site no.1, entrance of which lies in the west wall through a large portico of which the roof rested on pillars. Patna : Patna, the capital of the State of Bihar, is an important business centre of eastern India. More significantly, it is a gateway to the Buddhist and Jain pilgrim centres of Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodhgaya and Pawapuri. Beneath the din and bustle of Patna, the capital of Bihar state, has a fascinating past. Some of the places of tourist attraction are Gol Ghar , Museum, Harmandirji, Khuda Baksh Oriental Library, Kumhrar, Martyrs Memorial, Jalan Museum, Pathar Ki Masjid, Agam Kuan, Biological Park, Bihar Institute of Handicrafts and Designs, Birla Mandir, Nawab ShahidKaMaqbara, Pachim Darwaza and PadriKiHaveli. Rajgir : Rajgir is south of Nalanda and sacred to the memory of the founder of both Buddhism and Jainism. Lord Buddha spent many months of retreat during the rainy season here, and used to meditate and preach on Griddhkuta, the 'Hill of the Vultures'. Lord Mahavir spent fourteen years of his life at Rajgir and Nalanda. It was in Rajgriha that Lord Buddha delivered some of his famous sermons and converted king Bimbisara of the Magasha Kingdom and countless others to his creed. Rajgir is located in a verdant valley surrounded by rocky hills. An aerial ropeway provides the link with a hilltop stupa "Peace Pagoda" built by the Japanese. On one of the hills in the cave of Saptparni, was held the first Buddhist Council. The Saptparni cave is also the source of the Rajgir Hot Water Springs that have curative properties and are sacred to the Hindus. Festivals & Events
Basant Panchami, Shivratri, Raksha Bandhan, Holi, Durga Puja, Deepawali, Id, Bakrid, Christmas and many more festivals however big or small are celebrated with enthusiasm all over Bihar. However, Chatth Puja is the festival which requires special mention. Almost all civilizations have worshipped the 'sun god', but it has a unique form in Bihar. Chatth Puja is the only occasion where the setting sun is worshipped. The people of Bihar have immense faith in this festival. It is celebrated twice a year. Once in Chaitra (according to the Hindu calendar) which falls in March and in Kartik which falls in November. For this 4day festival, people maintain sanctity and purity from even a month ahead. People celebrate this festival with immense faith the folk songs sung in the honour of 'Surya Dev' and 'Chatti Maiyya' can be heard at every nook and corner the sweetness of the songs lets you feel the holiness of the festival. Women fast for the good of their family and the society. Regardless of the social status, to celebrate this festival only the faith counts. Though it is a festival of the Hindus, some of the Muslims also participate actively in the puja.
When to Go
The best time to visit Bihar is from October to March.
Interesting Fact
Kesaria Stupa, situated in the Champaran (east) district of Bihar, lies at a distance of approximately 110 km from the capital city of Patna. The Kesaria Stupa holds the distinction of being the largest in the world, standing at a height of 104 ft.
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