Gandhi Maidan comes alive with magic, music and more

Patna: The historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna came alive with colour and energy during the opening of the five-day Bihar Diwas celebrations, marking the state's 113th foundation day. Thousands thronged the venue on Saturday, eager to soak in the cultural extravaganza, exhibitions and entertainment that defined the event.
From cutting-edge digital showcases to age-old art forms, around 40 govt departments and organisations set up pavilions, each offering a glimpse into their achievements and ongoing projects. Visitors explored an array of digital displays, 3D models, architectural presentations, interactive stalls and exhibitions, all adorned with informative banners and posters.
Education took centre stage with over 1,000 schoolchildren battling it out in the finals of quizzes, debates, science exhibitions, olympiads and creative competitions. At the education department's pavilion, around 60 stalls engaged children in activities ranging from yoga and clay modelling to hula hooping, push pin art and musical performances. A magic show proved to be a major crowd-puller while the S K Science Centre rolled in with two mobile exhibitions.
Nisha Kumari, a Class IX student from Bankipore Girl's High School, proudly introduced visitors to smart classrooms at her stall. "We explain how technology is transforming education, creating dynamic learning environments that boost engagement and comprehension," she said.
Sudhanshu Suman and Shrawan Kumar, Class IX students from Utkramit Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Indwara, had come for the finals of the quiz and painting competitions. "I loved the net obstacle course and rope climbing. We also got to tour different pavilions," said Suman.
Artisans and craftsmen brought Bihar's heritage to life at the industries department's pavilion. Live demonstrations of Manjusha painting, Tikuli art, Patna Kalam, Madhubani painting, Bhagalpur silk weaving and handloom techniques mesmerised visitors. Separate mandaps hosted interactive sessions where artisans shared insights into their craft.
Meanwhile, 300 stalls brimmed with handcrafted treasures – exquisite handlooms, imitation jewellery, home décor, organic products and regional delicacies, all courtesy of Bihar's entrepreneurial talent.
The sports department's pavilion was a hotspot, thanks to a selfie zone featuring ‘Gudiya' — the official hockey mascot inspired by Bihar's state bird, the house sparrow. Information on the Rajgir sports academy and stadium was available on digital screens while visitors tried their hand at life-size chess, table tennis, basketball and archery.
Book lovers found solace in the Book Fair zone where shelves groaned under the weight of literary treasures spanning history, poetry, heritage, politics, culture and even comics. Stall owner Rabindra Singh said footfall was initially slow but expected it to pick up as the event progressed.
Among the attendees was Vildan Gurbuz, an academic from Turkey, in town to promote a book. "I love the energy of this festival. People here are incredibly kind and welcoming," she said.
At the transport department's pavilion, a road safety-themed puppet show and an interactive traffic park stole the spotlight. Highlighting the department's initiatives, transport minister Sheela Kumari said, "On Bihar Diwas, we are showcasing road safety awareness and public welfare schemes, along with electric and CNG vehicles."
Transport secretary Sanjay Kumar Agarwal added, "A traffic park has been set up to teach children road safety rules in a fun and engaging way. We are also offering on-spot services and free facilities."
Meanwhile, at the women and children's development pavilion, artisans demonstrated traditional crafts like Sujni embroidery and ‘lat ki chuddi' (lac bangles). College student Nimisha Sinha, along with friends Deepshikha and Anuradha, could not resist buying some. "We picked up beautifully crafted red and yellow bangles. Seeing the hard work that goes into making them was truly eye-opening," said Sinha.
A life-size model showcasing rural development initiatives was a highlight at the rural works department's pavilion where additional chief secretary Deepak Kumar Singh detailed major projects via a recorded message. Various departments, including animal and fisheries, disaster management and cooperatives, hosted interactive cultural performances and training sessions.
As night fell, the festivities reached a crescendo with a power-packed performance by Bollywood playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya at Gandhi Maidan. Simultaneously, cultural performances captivated audiences at S K Memorial Hall, Rabindra Bhawan and Premchand Rangshala.
The art and culture department further enriched the celebrations with a five-day Mahila Natya Utsav at Premchand Rangshala, an exhibition of Patna Kalam Shaili and a painting workshop at Bihar Lalit Kala Academy.