Bihar Diwas was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Geeta Ashram, Kuala Lumpur, Sunday, March 22, as nearly 200 members of the Bihari community, along with their families and children, came together for an evening filled with culture, connection and pride.The event was inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by the address of the chief guest, Vijayalakshmi Sunderrajan, director, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre, Kuala Lumpur. “It is heartening to see the Bihari expatriate community and the local Bihari diaspora preserve and promote their rich cultural heritage in Malaysia, while simultaneously respecting and upholding the ethos of this country,” she said. It is nice to see community leaders working to ensure that the younger generation remains connected to their roots and culture,” she added.This year’s Bihar Diwas, celebrated jointly by the Bihar Cultural Association (BCA) and the Bihar Foundation, KL Chapter, also featured event also featured video messages and Bihar Diwas wishes from the chairman of Bihar Foundation, the chief secretary of Bihar and industries minister Dilip Jaiswal, further strengthening the connection between the diaspora and their homeland.President of BCA, Alok Sinha, in his address, spoke with pride about how Bihar and Biharis are making a strong mark across the world today. He emphasised that through talent, hard work, and values, Bihar people are building a new and positive global image for the state. “We have seen a remarkable growth in our community involvement and engagement in cultural programmes organised and participated by Bihari community,” he said.Prabhat Kumar, chairman of the BCA, hailed the community for showcasing the rich heritage and creatiive talent in such a commendable and well-organised manner.The cultural segment brought the evening to life. From a graceful Ganesh Vandana to engaging children’s performances, every act reflected the spirit of Bihar. Traditional folk dances and Bhojpuri songs created a festive atmosphere, with members joining in to celebrate together. A vibrant Holi themed dance performance added color and energy to the celebration.Kids, 10 years old and below, performed a devotional song and dance dedicated to Lord Ram and Krishna. Ten-year-old Syed Ayan gave a presentation on the “significance of Bihar”, which featured all of the state’s well-known tourism destinations as well as its historical and cultural development.The celebration also reflected the growing strength and unity of the Bihar diaspora, showing how deeply rooted traditions continue to thrive even far from home. It highlighted that Bihar is not just a place, but an identity carried with pride across the world.(The writer is based in Kuala Lumpur)
