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FESTIVAL CALENDAR · BIHAR · 006

Festivals in Bihar.

6 festivals across Bihar — organised by month.

March

Vaishali Mahotsav

Vaishali

A significant Jain festival celebrated at Vaishali, the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, featuring grand chariot processions with Mahavir images, religious ceremonies in temples, fasting, charitable donations, and devotional scripture readings. Both Digambara and Shwetambara Jain communities participate in this major pilgrimage festival.

May

Buddha Purnima

Bodh Gaya

The holiest day in Buddhism — celebrating Buddha birth, enlightenment, and death. Thousands gather at Mahabodhi Temple.

October

Rajgir Dance Festival

Rajgir

Classical dance festival at Rajgir's natural amphitheater surrounded by 5 hills. Performers from across India.

November

Chhath Puja

Patna

Bihar biggest festival — 4-day sun worship on Ganga ghats. Standing in water at dawn offering arghya to rising sun. Massive and ancient.

Nirvana Mahotsav

Pawapuri

An annual Jain pilgrimage celebration commemorating Lord Mahavira's attainment of Nirvana at Pawapuri on the night of Diwali. Devotees gather to participate in religious ceremonies and rituals at the Jal Mandir (water temple), including the offering of a 151-kilogram blessed laddu to Lord Mahavira and its distribution among thousands of pilgrims.

December

Meditation Retreat Season

Bodh Gaya

International meditation retreats at monasteries around Mahabodhi Temple. Zen, Vipassana, Tibetan traditions all represented.

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