Bihar's antiquity is evident from its name, which is derived from the ancient word "VIHARA" (monastery). It is indeed a land of monasteries. Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Muslim and Sikh shrines abound in this ancient land where India's first major empires rose and fell. Where the ruins of the worlds' earliest University slumbers in the void of time. Bihar is a versatile destination which meets expectations of varied interests be it religious, art & culture, heritage or even ecological.
This is the land of Lord Buddha, attained his enlightenment and proceeded for final nirvana here. Among all Indian states, Bihar is the one most intimately linked to the life of Buddha, resulting in a trail of pilgrimages which have come to be known as the Buddhist circuit. Tenth Guru of Sikh faith Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj was born here and spent his childhood. Maa Sita was born here in Sitamarhi and her childhood was spent in Mithila region of Bihar. 24th Tirthankar of Jain Faith Mahavir Swami took birth here and Bihar had been his karmabhumi. Maner Sharif, Bihar Sharif, Phulwari Shrif are the Centres of ancient Sufi Faith.
Bihar has very rich cultural traditions which reflect in innumerable festivals, celebrations and life of the people of Bihar. Chath is a very important Festival and is celebrated with unparalleled passion, faith and fervour. Other festivals like Durga Puja, Holi, Diwali and Eid are equally important and bring colour and flavour in to the life of people of Bihar.
Bihar has a rich heritage and is reflected in the vast number of old structures lovingly preserved and maintained and are recognised internationally as Heritage sites. With the modern studies a large number of new heritage sites are being uncovered and are matter of pride for the state.
Bihar has well preserved ecology. Valmiki Vihar Tiger Reserve, Kakolat Water Falls, Ghoda Katora are richly endowed by nature and are places to explore by the tourists. Ganga passes through Bihar in its rich glory and endows the state with cultivable lands besides scenic beauty.
Bihar had also been the land of Gandhi’s freedom movement. Champaran had been his Karmabhumi where he started a number of his movements to mobilise the populace and people against the British Rule. The landlocked state of Bihar is surrounded by Nepal, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and comprises of cultural regions namely Ang, Bhojpur, Mithila and Magadha. Rivers Kosi and Gandak from the North and Sone from the South join Ganga. In the fertile plains, rice, sugarcane, oilseeds, gram, maize, jute, barley and wheat are cultivated.
