Bihar is globally renowned as the spiritual birthplace of Buddhism (Bodhgaya) and a premier center of ancient Indian history, featuring the ruins of Nalanda University. It is famed for its, Madhubani painting, Litti Chokha cuisine, the massive Sonepur cattle fair, and as the birthplace of Jainism’s Lord Mahavir.

Bihar is popularly known as the “Land of Monasteries” and the “Land of Bihar” (derived from the Sanskrit and Pali word Vihara, meaning abode/monastery). It is renowned as a cradle of civilization, the birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism, and home to ancient learning centers like Nalanda and Vikramshila.