Bihar's culture, heritage wins Dilli heart

The vibrant Madhubani paintings, delicious litti-chokha and carved Buddha sculptures can be associated with the state of Bihar. Associated with knowledge in the past, this East Indian state is now better known for its handicraft. This is available aplenty at the ongoing ‘Bihar Utsav 2015’.     

On the occasion of 103rd Foundation Day of Bihar, the Department of Industry, Government of Bihar is organising a festival to celebrate the rich heritage of the state and present its culture to the rest of the country. Though the focus is on tourism, tradition, art and culture of Bihar, the exhibition-cum-sale of handloom (from this region) is attracting a lot of the visitors.

Handcrafted mainly by women artisans of Bihar, these products are displayed at around 20 stalls but the main attractions remain fabrics and apparel in Bhagalpuri silk, Madubani paintings and bed sheets of Basman Bigha. Amidst these, the wooden art by Dhiraj Verma has wooed many a visitor to his stall. This artisan from Gaya is quite popular in his state due to his wood art.

Humble and self effacing, Verma gives all the credit to Upendra Maharathi Shilp Sansthan for promoting his art in India as well as abroad. His recent creations include 400 pieces of ‘Thinking Buddha’ for the International Buddhist Conclave and 160 pieces of Mahabodhi Temple for the centenary celebrations of Patna High Court.

“We collect gamhar, kema and other woods from Varanasi, Assam and Nigeria to make these sculptures,” says Verma, emphasising that all these pieces are handmade. “The price range is between Rs 100 and 25,000,” he informs showing a huge, supine Buddha which is priced at Rs 25,000. 

During the festival, the Foundation Day of Bihar was also celebrated at the venue. Amidst the presence of dignitaries, the cultural evenings set in motion too ith‘Tourism, Tradition, Art & Culture and Ambience of Bihar’ chosen as the theme of the festival.

After enjoying the rich performing arts, the visitors are indulging themselves in traditional delicacies from the region and shopping for ethnic handicrafts, silk fabrics and Madhubani paintings. A food court featuring a special menu of mouth-watering dishes from Bihari cuisine such as litti-choka, son papdi and makhana kheer make the place a perfect shopper’s paradise! Bihar Utsav is ongoing at Dilli Haat, INA till March 30.