Places of Interest
MAKAR SANKRANTI
This festival is held in the middle of January, which according to
the lunar
calendar, is the last month of
‘Paus’. This festival is specific to Rajgir since its hot springs are the venue
for the religious rituals. Devotees come here in large numbers to make flower offerings to
the deities of the temples there, and bathe in the holy water.
BUDDHA AND MAHAVIR JAYANTI
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated in the month of April/ May, when Buddhist from all over the world congregate at Bodh Gaya and Rajgir to celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha.
Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival of the Jains, which is celebrated in the month of April. The sacred Parasnath hill, where 20 thirthankar are believed to have achieved salvation, hosts the celebrations of the Mahavir Jayanti
MALAMASA MELA
Rajgir is the venue of this mela or fair, which is held here every three years. After every three years, the 13th month of the Indian calender, considered to be auspicious, is chosen for celebrating this fair.
MARRIAGE FESTIVAL
This unique festival takes place for a fortnight every June. Enthusiastic parents come with the horoscope of their children with a hope of fixing their marriage. They are the Mithila Brahmins, who congregate at Saurath in the Madhubani district of Bihar.
PATLIPUTRA FESTIVAL
This annual festival is held in the months of Oct-Nov. on a huge scale. It commences with Dussehra in Oct. and concludes with the Sonepur Fair.
Dussehra, celebrated for 10 days, is marked by the worshipping of goddess Durga for 9 days before finally immersing the goddess image on the 10th day. This is followed by the burning of effigies of the demon Ravana, accompanied by bursting of firecrackers. Thereafter follows DIWALI, the festival of lights, which celebrates the return of Lord Rama after 14 years of exile. Grand fireworks mark this festival.
CHHATH or SURYA PUJA follows 6 days later where the Sun God ‘SURYA’ is worshipped. The devotees who also take out a procession to honor the Sun God offer Fresh paddy, sweets & fruits. Thousands of women, waist deep in the holy waters of the Ganges, offer prayers at sunrise and sunset.
The Patliputra festival finally comes to an end with the SONEPUR FAIR, held in the month of Nov. This fair is the venue of Asias largest and most remarkable Cattle fairs which is organized on Kartik Purnima, the first full moon after Diwali.
RAJGIR DANCE FESTIVAL
This popular and colorful dance is organized by the Department of Tourism Bihar every year at Rajgir The celebration are marked by many classical and folk dances, performed by the enthusiastic people. This festival attracts tourists in large numbers.