Bihar Diwas 2026: President, Prime Minister and Chief Minister Mark 114th Bihar Day
Introduction
The 114th Bihar Diwas (Bihar Day) was celebrated on 22 March 2026 across the state with the theme "Developed Bihar, Bright Bihar (विकसित बिहार, समृद्ध बिहार)". The celebrations were formally inaugurated at Gandhi Maidan, Patna, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha and other cabinet colleagues.On the occasion, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Governor Syed Ata Hasnain extended greetings to the people of Bihar.
ANALYSIS
The Bihar Diwas 2026 celebrations highlighted Bihar's historical legacy, cultural heritage, developmental achievements, and the government's vision of transforming Bihar into a developed state. The event also carried political significance as it was expected to be the last Bihar Diwas inaugurated by Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister before his transition to national politics.
What is Bihar Diwas?
Bihar Diwas is celebrated every year on 22 March to commemorate the creation of the province of Bihar.
Historical Background
| Event | Details |
|---|
| Date of Formation | 22 March 1912 |
| Formed From | Bengal Presidency |
| Created By | British Government |
| First Official Bihar Diwas Celebration | 22 March 2010 |
| Initiative | Introduced by CM Nitish Kumar after assuming office in 2005 |
Although Bihar was created in 1912, the official annual celebration as Bihar Diwas began only in 2010.
Theme of Bihar Diwas 2026
"Developed Bihar, Bright Bihar" (विकसित बिहार, समृद्ध बिहार)
Objective
- Promote inclusive development.
- Highlight achievements of the state.
- Encourage investment and industrialisation.
- Inspire youth participation.
- Showcase Bihar's cultural heritage.
Major Highlights
Formal Inauguration
The celebrations were inaugurated by:
- Chief Minister Nitish Kumar
- Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary
- Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha
- Cabinet Ministers
Venue:Gandhi Maidan, Patna
President Droupadi Murmu's Message
The President described Bihar as:
- Land of the World's First Republic (Vaishali).
- Birthplace of glorious empires.
- Centre of great cultural and spiritual traditions.
She expressed confidence that:
- The talent,
- Hard work,
- Dedication
of Bihar's people would continue contributing to India's development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Message
Prime Minister Modi stated that:
- Bihar is writing new chapters of development every day.
- Bihar's hardworking and energetic people will play an important role in achieving Viksit Bharat.
- He appreciated Nitish Kumar's governance and developmental initiatives.
- Central assistance to Bihar has significantly increased compared to the 2004–2014 period.
- Increased central support has accelerated infrastructure and development projects in Bihar.
Nitish Kumar's Response
Nitish Kumar thanked the Prime Minister and said:
- Bihar is receiving full cooperation from the Central Government.
- The state is progressing towards becoming one of India's leading developed states.
- Development with justice remains the government's guiding principle.
Exhibition at Gandhi Maidan
Various government departments established exhibition stalls showcasing:
- Public welfare schemes
- Infrastructure projects
- Agriculture initiatives
- Women's empowerment programmes
- Industrial development
- Digital governance
- Education and health initiatives
- Skill development programmes
The exhibitions aimed to increase public awareness regarding government schemes.
Dignitaries Who Extended Greetings
- President Droupadi Murmu
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah
- Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain
Importance of Bihar
Historical Importance
- Ancient kingdom of Magadha
- Mauryan Empire
- Gupta Empire
- Nalanda University
- Vikramshila University
- Birthplace of Jainism's 24th Tirthankara Mahavira
- Place of Buddha's Enlightenment (Bodh Gaya)
- World's first republic at Vaishali
Why Bihar Diwas is Important?
It promotes:
- Cultural identity
- State pride
- Tourism
- Investment opportunities
- Public participation
- Awareness regarding government schemes
- Recognition of Bihar's historical contribution
STATIC PART
Formation of Bihar
| Particular | Details |
|---|
| Date | 22 March 1912 |
| Earlier Part of | Bengal Presidency |
| Headquarters | Patna |
| First Bihar Diwas Celebration | 22 March 2010 |
Important Historical Events
| Year | Event |
|---|
| 1912 | Bihar separated from Bengal |
| 1936 | Odisha separated from Bihar |
| 2000 | Jharkhand carved out of Bihar |
Important Places Associated with Bihar
| Place | Importance |
|---|
| Vaishali | World's First Republic |
| Bodh Gaya | Buddha attained Enlightenment |
| Rajgir | Ancient Capital of Magadha |
| Nalanda | Ancient International University |
| Vikramshila | Ancient Buddhist University |
| Pawapuri | Mahavira attained Nirvana |
BPSC / UPSC Prelims Facts
- Bihar Diwas: 22 March
- State Formation: 22 March 1912
- Separated From: Bengal Presidency
- First Official Celebration: 22 March 2010
- 2026 Theme: Developed Bihar, Bright Bihar
- Venue of Main Celebration: Gandhi Maidan, Patna
- 114th Bihar Diwas: Celebrated in 2026
- Chief Minister: Nitish Kumar
- Deputy Chief Ministers: Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha
- President: Droupadi Murmu
- Prime Minister: Narendra Modi
- Governor: Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain
Possible BPSC/UPSC Mains Question
Q. Bihar Diwas is not merely a commemorative event but also reflects Bihar's historical legacy and developmental aspirations. Discuss with suitable examples. (250 words)
Source:Hindustan Times, "President, PM greet people on Bihar Diwas, Nitish inaugurates function", published on 23 March 2026.