Patna celebrates Bihar Diwas with zest and fervour

The three-day grand event organised to mark the occasion of 106th Bihar Diwas concluded on March 24 with full zest and enthusiasm. The event was inaugurated by vice-president Venkaiah Naidu at Gandhi Maidan in the presence of Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, Satya Pal Malik, Governor of Bihar, Sushil Kumar Modi, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and other important officials. Thousands of people thronged after its inauguration at Gandhi Maidan on March 22.

Commemoration of Champaran Satyagrah

Themed ‘Champaran Satyagrah: Centenary Year,’ the event had a series of cultural programmes, musical performances and educational lined up. A statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the globe was displayed to commemorate the Champaran Movement.
Artefacts depicting the life of Gandhi and his teachings were also put up in the middle of the ground. Venkaiah Naidu greeted Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion and said, “India will progress only when Bihar will progress. People here must give importance to their talents and caliber.”

Students’ participation

4,000 school children from various districts of Bihar participated in a variety of events including volleyball tournament, drawing competition, mobile science exhibition, poetry writing competition, quiz and Gandhi Film Mahotsav. Khushboo, a class XII student from Gaya district who participated in the Gandhi Film Mahotsav said, “My friends and I enjoyed a lot during Bihar Diwas. We played volleyball with different school students and watched many movies based on the life of national heroes. Our accommodation was arranged at Bankipore Girls School, Patna Collegiate School and BN College.”

Energetic performances
Youngsters cheered as band Indian Ocean performed at Gandhi Maidan on the first day. Bollywood singer Harshdeep Kaur and classical singer Shubha Mudgal performed on the second and third day of the event respectively. Besides Gandhi Maidan, colourful cultural functions were also organised at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall and Ravindra Bhawan. Renowned kathak dance Shikha Khare and her team won the hearts of visitors who gathered at the SK Memorial Hall. Sufi singer Lakhwinder Wadali mesmerised the audience with his melodious songs and ghazals.

Stalls aplenty

Many stalls were put up by the education department of the state including Bihar Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, Bihar Shiksha Jan Shiksha, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Public Health Engineering Department. Garima Singh, a teacher present at event said, “Stalls of social organisations like Kilkari, Jivika and Sanskiritik Mandap tried to showcase the art and culture of Bihar through their models and presentations. I loved their way of conveying the message to the crowd.”

Facilities

Bihar government took care of basic necessities so the face any inconvenience. Pure drinking water were circulated throughout the ground on different small vehicles, dubbed ‘water on wheels.’ A mobile blood bank helped people know more about it and encouraged them to donate blood. Moreover, a six-bed hospital was set up to cater to any mishaps. Doctors from Patna Medical College and Hospital, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science and Kurji Holy Family Hospital were present at the venue to provide medical aid.

Food stalls

Foodies gathered at the stalls and were seen relishing dahi phuchka, litti-choka, biryani, samosas, jalebis and many other delectable dishes. However, this time there were no non-vegetarian dishes on offer. Guddu, who owned the stall of Royal Biryani Centre said, “This year we are not allowed to serve non-veg because of Navratri. But our sale is going well as we are busy throughout the day serving customers.”

Main highlights of the event

>>People loved the performances of Bollywood singer Harshdeep Kaur and classical singer Shubha Mudgal and that of Indian Ocean
>> City administration was strict about the security and safety of the crowd. Cops were seen patrolling the city.

>>Basic medical aid was provided

>> Though the theme Champaran Satyagrah, people remembered Mahatma Gandhi and his era

>> 4,000 school children from various districts of Bihar participated in variety of events

>> A variety of food stalls attracted foodies at the event

Courtesy: TNN