Bihar Diwas 2026

Bihar Diwas, or Bihar Day, is observed on 22 March every year. It marks the formation of the state of Bihar when the state was carved out from the Bengal Presidency by the British in the year 1912.

Bihar Diwas is a public holiday for all state and central government offices and companies as well as for schools. Apart from Bihar, it is celebrated in other countries as well by the Bihari diaspora.

Date

Day

Celebrated in

22 March 2026

Sunday

Bihar

How is the Day Celebrated?

The day is celebrated with great aplomb with a multitude of cultural events in educational institutions and public premises by local people and eminent personalities.

  1. Bihar Divas is celebrated to honor the extensive cultural history, traditions, and the ongoing progress of the state of Bihar. For 2025, the theme of Bihar Diwas was “Advanced Bihar, Developed Bihar.” 
  1. The state-level festivities are set to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister in the capital city, hosted at prominent locations including Gandhi Maidan, Shri Krishna Memorial Hall, and Rabindra Bhavan. 
  1. Various educational institutions will participate by organizing student competitions such as Mathematics Olympiads, quizzes, and painting contests. 

About Bihar 

  1. Bihar border is surrounded by three Indian states: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. On one side Bihar also shares border with Nepal. 
  1. There are 38 districts and 9 divisions in Bihar. Patna is the capital of Bihar. 
  1. The name of the state is thought to have come from the word “Vihara” which means a Buddhist monastery. Bihar served as a major center for Buddhism during ancient times. 

Historical Significance of Bihar Divas 

The British government established Bihar as a distinct province on 22 March 1912, after separating the region from the Bengal Presidency. The Swadeshi movement, which arose to protest the 1905 partition of Bengal, eventually resulted in the reversal of that partition and the subsequent creation of both Bihar and Assam as independent administrative areas. 

Another change occurred in the year 2000 when the state of Jharkhand was formed by dividing the existing territory of Bihar to create a new, separate state.


FAQs on Bihar Diwas

  • What is the historical reason for celebrating Bihar Diwas?

    Bihar Diwas is observed to commemorate 22 March 1912, which is the day when British government established Bihar as a separate province from the Bengal Presidency. 

  • What is the significance of the name “Bihar”?

    The name is derived from the Sanskrit and Pali word “Vihara,” meaning a Buddhist monastery, reflecting the region’s ancient history as a major center for Buddhist learning and residence. 

  • Who started the official annual celebration of Bihar Diwas?

    The large-scale, annual state celebrations were initiated by the Government of Bihar in 2010 to foster state pride and identity. 

  • What was the theme for the 113th Bihar Diwas in 2025?

    The official theme for the 2025 celebrations was “Advanced Bihar, Developed Bihar,” focusing on the state’s progress and future goals. 

  • How is Bihar Diwas celebrated outside of India?

    The day is celebrated by the Bihari Diaspora in various countries through cultural events, traditional music, and food festivals to maintain their connection to their cultural roots. 

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