BIHAR WILL ROCK ONE DAY...

BIHAR

Bihar : The name 'Bihar' is derived from 'Vihara', which means a Buddhist monestry. The land of pilgrim - Bihar has a very ancient, glorious and colorful history. It also boasts of having established the 1^st republic of the world. It was this land which gave the world the great religion of Buddhism. It is the land where Buddha attained enlightenment, Lord Mahavira was born and died. Here the 10^th and the last Sikh Guru Govind Singh was born. The land was also the birthplace of the great emperor Ashoka, who made himself immortal by spreading the message of peace. 

The land has seen great dynasties such as the Kushans, the Mauryas and the Gupta Dynasty. Great rulers like Chandragupta Maurya, emperor Ashoka and Chandragupta Vikramaditya have brought both fame and glory to the region. It is also the home of many aboriginal tribes. This state has made all round developments in the field of heavy industry and agriculture but at the same time preserved its rich heritage and culture. 

State Government : http://www.bihar.nic.in 

Capital :	Patna
Area :	94,163 square Kilometers
Population :	82,998,509 (2001 census)
Literacy :	47.00% (2001)
Language :	hindi, Maithili
Roads :	85,565 Kms
Railways :	5,254 Kms
Airport :	Patna, Gaya
Seaport :	Nil
Climate :	Summer (47° - 20° C), Winter (28° - 4° C), Monsoon : June to October
Best Season :	October to March
Places of Interest :	State Tourism : http://bstdc.bih.nic.in
	Barauni : Industrial centre. Bhagalpur : Silk centre, Tribals. Bodh Gaya : Sacred Buddhist pilgrim centre, Sacred Bodhi tree, Stupas, Museum, Hindu pilgrim centre, Lotus pond, International monastries, the famous Kalchakra sermon by the Dalai Lama held here once in 12 years. Buxar : Hindu pilgrim centre, Fairs. Darbhanga : Centre of Maithili culture and handicrafts. Dehri-on-Sone : Industrial centre. Gaya : Major Hindu pilgrim centre, Temples, nearby Stupas and Buddhist caves. Jayanagar : Temples. Jharia : Major Coal Town. Kishanganj : Pilgrim centre. Katihar : Major Rail Junction. Madhubani : Maithili cultural centre and home of Madhubani paintings. Maner : Muslim pilgrim centre, Picnic spot. Munger : Historic city. Muzaffarpur : Lichi orchard, commercial town. Nalanda : Ruins of ancient Buddhist University, Museum, Buddhist Research Institute. [Bihar Sharif (13 Kms) : Ancient Muslim Capital, Muslim pilgrim centre, Tombs. Kundalpur (2Kms) : Jain Temples, Pilgrim centre. Rajgir (15 Kms) : Ancient Buddhist culture centre, Jain pilgrim centre, Temples, Fort, Mineral springs, Spa, Hill Station. Rajgir Santuary : Variety of wildlife.Swarajpur Baragon (33 Kms) : Surya Temple, Hindu pilgrim centre.] Patna : Martr's Memorial, Biological Park, Sadaquat Ashram, Museums, Golghar Granary, Mosques, Ruins of ancient Mauryan Pataliputra, Sikh pilgrim centre, Oriental Library, Ashram, Antiquities, Lake. Pawapuri : Jain Pilgrim centre, Jalmandir, Samoshran temple. Shimultala : Scenery, quiet vacation spot. Vaishali : Ancient Capital, Buddhist and Jain pilgrim centre, Museums, Ashoka Pillar.
Festivals :	Holi (March), Durga Puja (October), Diwali (October / November), Chhatt (October / November), Sonepur Cattle Fair (November), Tribal festivals.