Festivals of Bihar: Explore Culture, Color & Celebrations

Bihar, a land steeped in mythology, history, and heritage, is a cultural treasure trove that comes alive through its vibrant festivals. These celebrations are more than mere occasions—they are deep-rooted expressions of devotion, community, and seasonal transitions. The Festivals of Bihar not only reflect the religious sentiments of its people but also their joy, creativity, and unity in diversity.

Whether it’s the grandeur of Chhath Puja, the colors of Holi, or the solemnity of Ram Navami, every celebration in Bihar is a window into its soul. This blog is your in-depth guide to exploring the most significant and lesser-known festivals of the region, offering you cultural insights and travel inspiration curated by Adotrip.

1. Chhath Puja – The Soul of Bihar

When: October-November
Where: Across Bihar, especially Patna and riverbanks

Chhath Puja is the most revered and widely celebrated festival in Bihar. Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his sister Chhathi Maiya, it’s a four-day festival involving rigorous rituals, including holy bathing, fasting, standing in water for long hours, and offering arghya (prayers) to the setting and rising sun.

The devotion, discipline, and communal harmony that Chhath inspires are unparalleled. Thousands gather on riverbanks—especially the Ganga in Patna—for sunrise and sunset rituals. For travelers, witnessing Chhath is an unforgettable spiritual and cultural experience.

2. Sonepur Mela – Asia’s Biggest Cattle Fair

When: November (Kartik Purnima)
Where: Sonepur, near Patna

The Sonepur Cattle Fair dates back to the Mauryan era and blends religious rituals with rural commerce. Traditionally, this fair was known for its elephant trade, and while elephants are no longer traded due to legal restrictions, the fair still boasts camels, horses, birds, and other livestock.

Sonepur Mela is more than a fair—it’s a carnival of folk performances, circus shows, handicrafts, and spiritual gatherings on the banks of the Gandak River.

3. Makar Sankranti – Kite Flying & Khichdi

When: January 14
Where: All over Bihar

Known as Til Sankranti locally, this harvest festival marks the beginning of longer days. People take holy dips in rivers and prepare traditional dishes like tilkut (sweet made from sesame and jaggery) and khichdi.

The skies are filled with colorful kites, and the air is filled with the aroma of seasonal foods. It’s a perfect time to experience rural Bihar’s simplicity and warmth.

4. Holi – Festival of Colors and Brotherhood

When: March
Where: Entire State

Like the rest of India, Holi in Bihar is celebrated with enthusiasm, but with its own regional twist. In rural areas, folk songs (phagua) are sung to the rhythm of dhol and manjira, and people smear each other with colors and abeer. In cities like Patna, organized events feature music, rain dances, and community feasts.

The day before Holi, Holika Dahan (bonfire) symbolizes the victory of good over evil, drawing people together for a sacred and joyous beginning.

5. Shravani Mela – Month-Long Kanwar Yatra

When: July-August (Shravan month)
Where: Deoghar (Jharkhand), Bhagalpur (Bihar)

While the destination of this pilgrimage lies in Deoghar, Jharkhand, thousands of Kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva) walk barefoot for over 100 km from Sultanganj in Bihar carrying holy Ganga water to offer at Baidyanath Dham.

This month-long festival transforms Bihar's small towns into spiritual hubs, echoing with chants of "Bol Bam". It's a powerful sight of faith and endurance.

6. Ram Navami – Birth of Lord Rama

When: March-April
Where: All cities and towns

Ram Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama and is celebrated with temple processions, bhajans, and spiritual discourses. In places like Sitamarhi, believed to be the birthplace of Sita, the celebrations are particularly grand.

Temples are beautifully decorated, and devotees observe fasting and prayers. It's a festival that revives the epic of Ramayana in real-time.

7. Teej – Women’s Festival of Love and Devotion

When: August-September
Where: Mostly in Mithila and urban areas

Celebrated primarily by women, Teej is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her reunion with Lord Shiva. Women dress in red, wear green bangles, and sing traditional Teej songs.

They fast for the wellbeing of their husbands or future partners. It's not just a festival but a display of Bihar’s deep-rooted traditions of love, fidelity, and feminine spirituality.

8. Bihula – A Festival of Folk Legends

When: August
Where: Bhagalpur

Bihula-Bishari Puja is a regional celebration from Anga region, especially in Bhagalpur. It is based on the folk tale of Bihula, a woman whose devotion brought her husband back to life.

People perform boat processions, songs, and rituals commemorating her story. It’s a rare blend of folklore, spirituality, and regional pride.

9. Eid & Muharram – Syncretic Celebrations

When: Based on Islamic calendar
Where: Entire State, notably Patna, Gaya

Bihar’s Muslim population celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Muharram with deep reverence. During Muharram, cities like Patna host processions and taziyas, while Eid is marked by community feasts, new clothes, and charity.

These festivals reflect the inclusive fabric of Bihari society, where religious diversity coexists peacefully.

10. Diwali & Govardhan Puja – Lights & Rituals

When: October-November
Where: Everywhere in Bihar

Diwali in Bihar includes Lakshmi Puja, lighting of diyas, bursting of crackers, and decorating homes with rangolis. The next day, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj continue the celebrations.

In Mithila, unique customs like painting kohbar (wedding-themed murals) and storytelling traditions add cultural flavor.

11. Saraswati Puja – Student’s Festival

When: February
Where: Schools, colleges, homes

Celebrated by students and scholars, Saraswati Puja marks reverence to the goddess of wisdom. It’s also known as Vasant Panchami and marks the coming of spring. Young girls wear yellow sarees and offer prayers for academic success.

12. Nag Panchami – Snake Worship Tradition

When: July-August
Where: Rural Bihar

A traditional celebration of snake worship, Nag Panchami is a fascinating example of animism in Indian culture. People offer milk and worship live or clay-made cobras to seek protection from snake bites and evil spirits.

Why You Should Witness the Festivals of Bihar

Bihar's festivals are not just rituals—they’re cultural spectacles that offer travelers an intimate glimpse into the state’s soul. Whether it’s the devotion of Chhath Puja, the rural vibrance of Sonepur Mela, or the folklore of Bihula, every festival here offers a unique experience.

Adotrip helps you explore Bihar not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing cultural entity. With our detailed travel guides, route planners, and exclusive travel deals, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Festivals of Bihar.

Travel Tips for Festival Visitors

Book Early: Trains and hotels fill up quickly during Chhath and Sonepur Mela.
Respect Local Customs: Many festivals involve fasting or religious codes—dress modestly and behave respectfully.
Stay Hydrated: Summers can be hot; carry water and wear comfortable clothes.
Capture Moments: Festivals are vibrant. Bring your camera but avoid intrusive photography.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most important festival in Bihar?
Chhath Puja is considered the most significant and widely celebrated festival in Bihar.

2. When is Sonepur Mela held?
Sonepur Mela is held in November, during Kartik Purnima.

3. Which festivals are celebrated by women in Bihar?
Teej and Bihula are predominantly celebrated by women.

4. What is the cultural importance of Holi in Bihar?
Holi in Bihar includes local folk songs, known as phagua, and reflects community bonding.

5. Is Chhath Puja a public holiday in Bihar?
Yes, Chhath Puja is a major public holiday in Bihar.

6. Where can I experience Chhath Puja in its full glory?
The best places are Patna (especially Ganga ghats), Gaya, and Muzaffarpur.

7. How is Diwali different in Bihar?
In Mithila, traditional kohbar paintings and rituals add a unique cultural layer to Diwali.

8. Are Muslim festivals also celebrated in Bihar?
Yes, Eid and Muharram are observed with great respect and community participation.

9. Can tourists attend the Sonepur Cattle Fair?
Absolutely. It's a popular attraction for domestic and international tourists.

10. Which is the best season to witness festivals in Bihar?
October to March is ideal for witnessing major festivals like Chhath, Diwali, and Makar Sankranti.

Conclusion

The Festivals of Bihar are a vivid reflection of its timeless traditions, spiritual depth, and communal harmony. Each festival, whether rooted in mythology or local folklore, carries a legacy passed down through generations. For a traveler or culture enthusiast, experiencing Bihar’s festivals is like unlocking chapters from a living history book.

So why wait? Pack your bags and let Adotrip guide you to the heart of Bihar’s most magnificent celebrations. Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat indeed begins with knowing its festivals.