Bihar Diwas: Cultural shows, exhibitions and food fest planned at Gandhi Maidan

Patna: Bihar is set to celebrate its 114th foundation day from March 22 to 24, commemorating its separation from the Bengal Presidency in 1912. The three-day festival, themed “Unnat Bihar, Ujjwal Bihar”, will take place primarily at Gandhi Maidan with additional events at S K Memorial Hall and Rabindra Bhawan.The schedule includes musical performances by Sona Mohapatra, Shaan and Papon, alongside classical Dhrupad and Gharana recitals. Cultural offerings feature Bhikhari Thakur’s folk theatre, various classical dance forms, a Hasya Kavi Sammelan and a laser light show. The venue will also host a food fest, book fair and development pavilions.The environment, forest and climate change department has established a jungle-themed exhibition at the site to promote conservation. The display features mountain replicas and models highlighting the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission, air pollution reduction and the plastic ban. Street plays are integrated into the programme to educate the public on water conservation, the effect of plastic and the importance of trees.CM Nitish Kumar on Saturday extended greetings to the public and said that “Bihar has a glorious history, and with firm determination, the people are currently building a magnificent future for the state.” He expressed confidence that by maintaining mutual unity, brotherhood, social harmony and goodwill, the residents of Bihar will take the state's pride to new heights.To manage the celebrations, the Patna district administration has deployed 94 magistrates and established a 24-hour control room. Patna DM Thiyagarajan S M and SSP Kartikeya K Sharma confirmed that 128 CCTV cameras will monitor the grounds. Medical teams, fire tenders and specific traffic routes have been arranged, with entry for the general public designated through all open gates except west gates 1, 2, 3, 4 and 13, while general vehicles will enter through gates 5, 7 and 10, with parking spaces available within the maidan. Officers have been asked to maintain constant vigilance and coordinate internal security until the crowds disperse.