CULTURAL AND SPORTING TALENTS SHINE DURING BIHAR DIWAS

CULTURAL AND SPORTING TALENTS SHINE DURING BIHAR DIWAS

23-MARCH-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------A grand celebration of Bihar Diwas 2026 was held at the Veer Kunwar Singh Stadium (Ramna Maidan) in Arrah. This festival was organized under the joint aegis of the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Bihar, and the District Administration of Bhojpur.

The program was inaugurated by the ceremonial lighting of a lamp by distinguished guests, including the Honorable Minister of Labor Resources, Bihar, Shri Sanjay Singh Tiger; the Honorable Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) for Arrah, Shri Sudama Prasad; the Honorable Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Shri Radha Charan Sah; the Mayor of Arrah Municipal Corporation; and the District Magistrate of Bhojpur, Shri Tanay Sultania.

Speaking on the occasion, the Honorable Minister Shri Sanjay Singh Tiger extended his greetings for Bihar Diwas and remarked that Bihar holds a distinct identity across the entire country for its rich historical, cultural, and intellectual heritage. He stated that the state government is continuously striving to uplift the youth, athletes, and talented students, and that such events serve as powerful platforms for showcasing these talents. He called upon the youth present to play an active role in the development of the state.

Addressing the gathering, the District Magistrate of Bhojpur, Shri Tanay Sultania, observed that Bihar Diwas is not merely an occasion for celebration, but a day to resolve to preserve and promote our rich heritage. He noted that talents from Bhojpur are excelling in every field, and the District Administration remains committed to providing them with better platforms and resources.

Following the inauguration, public representatives and officials toured the stalls set up by various government departments to gather information regarding the schemes currently being implemented. On this occasion, attractive stalls were set up by numerous departments—including Health, Education, Police, Jeevika, Electricity, Animal Husbandry, Social Welfare, Information and Public Relations, Sanitation, and the Women's Helpline. Notably, the attractive art and craft exhibits created by school children at the Education Department's stall emerged as a special center of attraction for the visitors. During the program, an introductory session was held with the district's outstanding athletes, wherein the District Magistrate encouraged them by stating that Bhojpur's sporting talents have the potential to establish a national identity for themselves, provided they are furnished with appropriate guidance and resources. The district administration remains committed to extending every possible support in this endeavor.

On this occasion, school students and local artists presented captivating performances based on Bihar's rich cultural heritage and traditions, which were highly appreciated by the audience. Additionally, various sports competitions were organized, featuring disciplines such as boxing, weightlifting, archery, kabaddi, kho-kho, and wushu.

Furthermore, competitions involving drawing, painting, and slogan writing were conducted; participants who delivered exceptional performances in these events were honored with certificates of appreciation for securing the first, second, and third positions.

In the evening, a *Deepotsav* (festival of lights) was organized, followed by a vibrant cultural program presented by school students and local artists. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates of appreciation, honoring the outstanding participants.

The program was efficiently anchored by the District Art and Culture Officer.

Present on this occasion were the Deputy Development Commissioner, Mrs. Gunjan Singh; the Additional Collector; the District Public Grievance Redressal Officer; the District Information and Public Relations Officer; the District Welfare Officer; the District Election Officer; the District Project Officer; officials from the District Ganga Committee; and other distinguished guests.