On March 22, 2025, Bihar is set to mark its 113th establishment day during the annual celebration of Bihar Diwas. The festival will be grandly inaugurated at Gandhi Maidan in Patna by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who will kick off a five-day series of events themed ‘Unnat Bihar, Viksit Bihar’, which translates to ‘Developed Bihar’. The celebration is anticipated to provide a vibrant showcase of Bihar's rich heritage and potential for future development.
This annual observance serves as both a reflection and acknowledgement of Bihar's historical journey, commemorating the day in 1912 when Bihar was separated from the Bengal Presidency to become a distinct province along with Orissa. Bihar Diwas symbolizes not only a point in history but a shared identity that resonates within the aspirations of its people. Public offices, banks, and educational institutions across the state will remain closed in observance of the day.
The Bihar government has made extensive arrangements for the festival, and this year it will take place across a much larger area of 125,000 square feet at Gandhi Maidan, demonstrating an unprecedented scale compared to previous years. The grandeur of the event emphasizes the state's commitment to showcase its cultural richness, significant achievements, and future aspirations.
Various cultural programs and exhibitions are planned, including traditional music and dance, food stalls, and a book fair. Noteworthy participants will include famous Bollywood singers, classical performers, and civil servants showcasing their talents. For instance, Alok Raj of the Bihar State Building Construction Corporation will perform at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall, alongside IAS officer N Vijayalakshmi who will present a Bharatnatyam dance. This gathering aims to promote unity, pride, and ownership of the state's accomplishments among the local populace.
The Bihar government's education department, which is the nodal agency for organizing the festival, is set to provide various amenities, including health checks and vaccinations for twelve diseases over the course of three days. The tourism department is also set to display 3D models of famous sites such as Mahabodhi Temple and Nalanda University, fostering both civic pride and interest in local heritage and attractions.
This year’s theme ‘Unnat Bihar, Viksit Bihar’ aligns with the ongoing efforts to present Bihar as a hub of educational excellence and cultural vibrancy. Young individuals are increasingly making their mark not just within India but on international platforms, exemplified by students from Bihar securing top ranks in competitive exams such as the UPSC and NEET. Notable figures like Garima Lohia, who achieved AIR 2 in the UPSC 2022, and Majin Mansoor, who scored a perfect 720 in NEET 2024, are testament to the talent emerging from this state.
Bihar’s history has been marked by significant contributions to India's cultural and intellectual landscape, being home to brilliant historical figures like Aryabhata, Chandragupta Maurya, and Ashoka. This history contributes to the pride in Bihar’s narrative, enhancing the importance of finding common ground to continue propelling forward.
Beyond its academic accolades, Bihar shares a broader story that extends to its cultural contributions on the global stage. Celebrations of Bihar Diwas are not limited to India; various expatriate communities commemorate the day across several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, showcasing the state's deep-rooted cultural links.
This year's celebrations aim not only to honor Bihar's storied past but also to inspire current and future generations. The commitment toward education, technology, and infrastructure development is evident in government initiatives that empower young people to strive for excellence, thus enhancing the overall perception of Bihar.
As Bihar celebrates this dual legacy of historical pride and forward-thinking progress this March 22, the essence of the festivities will reflect a state rich in culture and potential, ready to embrace a brighter future whilst forging strong ties among its community.
