Patna: CM Nitish Kumar on Sunday inaugurated the Bihar Diwas 2026 celebrations at Gandhi Maidan in Patna by lighting a ceremonial lamp and releasing balloons as the venue turned into a vibrant hub of exhibitions, cultural activities and public outreach programmes showcasing the state’s development initiatives and technological progress. The event marks the 114th anniversary of Bihar’s formation on March 22, 1912, when the British govt carved Bihar out of the Bengal Presidency. Although the administrative separation took place more than a century ago, the formal celebration of Bihar Diwas as a statewide festival began in 2010.Prior to the inauguration of the three-day programme, Nitish toured exhibitions set up by various govt departments displaying developmental projects and welfare initiatives. At the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) stall, vice-chairman Uday Kant welcomed him.The CM also visited the education department pavilion and inspected facilities designed for students, including science laboratories, smart classes, vocational training rooms and the Atal Tinkering Lab.The historic Gandhi Maidan witnessed a grand and energetic beginning to the celebrations, organised around the theme ‘Unnat Bihar, Ujjwal Bihar’ (Advanced Bihar, Radiant Bihar). The venue was transformed into a massive hub of information and innovation with numerous departmental stalls highlighting governance initiatives, welfare schemes and technological achievements for the public.The rural works department showcased progress in rural connectivity, while the information and public relations department highlighted initiatives related to women’s empowerment. The social welfare department focused on child development programmes, and the health department organised free medical check-up camps. The department of science and technology displayed emerging technological tools and innovations. National entities such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the department of posts also participated, offering services including financial literacy awareness and Aadhaar-related assistance, while the department of prohibition and excise promoted the message of a drug-free Bihar.The education department pavilion emerged as a major attraction, featuring specialised zones for Mission Nipun Bihar, project-based learning (PBL) and a model school that demonstrated the components of holistic education in the state. Students and teachers participated in cultural performances, mathematics olympiads and quizzes, while technical corners provided information on cybersecurity, disaster management and earthquake-resistant construction techniques.“Seeing the live drone demonstrations and the focus on AI awareness makes me feel that Bihar is truly leaping into the future,” said Ramesh Kumar, a college student visiting the science stall.Another visitor, Sunita Devi, who had travelled from a nearby village, said, “The information about the various schemes is helpful, and it is heartening to see so much respect being given to our traditional folk arts under one roof.”Innovations such as the ‘O Plus’ drone technology and the Ashdeep rehabilitation centre’s Braille demonstrations highlighted efforts to promote inclusive technology in the state. Health awareness also remained a priority, with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna (AIIMS Patna), and other private hospitals providing guidance on heatstroke prevention, while the Bihar fire services conducted live fire-safety demonstrations.The celebrations also highlighted social harmony and mental well-being through various awareness stalls, along with initiatives promoting transgender awareness and traditional crafts at the Shilp Kutir. The multi-dimensional approach reflected the govt’s efforts to build a Bihar where technology, education and cultural heritage coexist to empower every citizen.The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) also contributed to the festivities by organising a cultural evening in which folk songs and dances promoted the “Swachh Patna, Sundar Patna” campaign. Brand ambassador Neetu Kumari Navgeet led the awareness drive through music and appealed for public participation in the upcoming Swachh Survekshan and proper segregation of waste to help ensure a cleaner city.Deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha attended the event along with cabinet ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Ashok Choudhary and Ram Kripal Yadav. Administrative officials present included chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit, director general of police Vinay Kumar and other senior officials.
