NDA Leaders Attend Chirag Paswan’s Makar Sankranti Dahi-Chura Feast in Patna

The Bihar Literature Festival in Patna showcased a vibrant mix of language, cultural discourse, and literary creation on its second day, drawing writers, poets, scholars and literary enthusiasts from across the state. The event was described as a ”sangam” (confluence) of language, thought and creative expression, highlighting the diversity and strength of regional and national literature. Organised under the aegis of the Cabinet Secretariat’s Department of Official Language (Rajbhasha), sessions explored themes related to language preservation, literary art, regional linguistic heritage and the role of literature in contemporary society. Speakers at various panels underscored the importance of promoting local languages and literary forms alongside broader cultural and intellectual engagement. The festival also featured discussions on creative writing, poetry readings, and forums where authors and thinkers shared insights on how language influences thought and artistic expression. Participants emphasised the need to support regional literature to maintain linguistic identity and foster new voices in the literary community. Events like the Bihar Literature Festival form part of a wider cultural calendar in the state, similar to other literary gatherings such as the Unmesh International Literature Festival, which brings together writers from many languages and countries to celebrate global literary exchange. © Images used for illustrative purposes only. Copyrights belong to their respective owners.

The Navarasa Festival in Patna attracted more than 1,000 young participants this weekend, offering a vibrant blend of devotional music, cultural performances and spiritual discourse rooted in the teachings of Lord Krishna. Organised by ISKCON Patna at the ISKCON temple grounds, the multi-day event focused on fostering inner peace, community engagement and devotional arts among youth from Bihar and neighbouring regions. ”The festival celebrates the nine emotions (Navarasa) including love, joy, peace and devotion through music, dance and interactive sessions,” explained one of the organisers. Spiritual practitioners and cultural performers presented bhajans, kirtans, classical dance pieces and thematic storytelling segments, each designed to evoke specific emotional and devotional states in alignment with ancient Indian aesthetics. Youth attendees expressed that the festival provided not only spiritual insight but also a sense of community and shared purpose. ”It’s rare to see such an energetic and devotional gathering where music and spirituality come together to inspire young minds,” said one student participant from Patna University. Many described the experience as uplifting and mentally refreshing amid academic pressures and winter fatigue. Leadership from the temple highlighted that the festival also included workshops on meditation, ethical living and traditional arts, encouraging participants to integrate values of compassion, self-awareness and creative expression into daily life. Local residents and visitors praised the event’s organisation, noting that safety measures, volunteer-led guidance teams and culturally sensitive programming contributed to its success. The Navarasa Festival is expected to become an annual hallmark event in Patna’s cultural calendar, continuing its mission to connect youth with spiritual heritage through expressive arts and communal devotion. © Images used for illustrative purposes only. Copyrights belong to their respective owners.

The Sonepur Cattle Fair in Bihar one of Asia’s largest traditional fairs continues this December with a blend of commerce, culture and sport. This year’s event also included the opening of the Madhwapur Premier League, a T-20 cricket tournament featuring teams from Bihar, Nepal and neighbouring states. The league’s opening match saw local sides like the Arrah team face off against rival clubs, symbolising increased regional engagement in sport amid the larger fair environment. Thousands of visitors are participating in cattle trade, handicraft exhibitions and cultural programmes, while food stalls and folk performances enrich the festive atmosphere. Organisers said the extended fair duration and combined attractions aim to increase tourism, local economic activity and community participation.© Images used for illustrative purposes only. Copyrights belong to their respective owners.