BIHAR’S HISTORIC AND CULTURAL HERITAGE IS UNIQUE IN THE WORLD:CM

BIHAR’S HISTORIC AND CULTURAL HERITAGE IS UNIQUE IN THE WORLD:CM

13-AUG-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-----------------------The three-day 11th Foundation Day celebration of the Bihar Museum, Patna, was organized with great fanfare from August 7 to 9, 2026, under the leadership of Anjani Kumar Singh (Director General of Bihar Museum and former Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar) and Ashok Kumar Sinha (Additional Director General). On the first day, August 7, three significant and historic exhibitions were inaugurated: 1. *Kagaz Ki Kashti* (Paper Boat) – a solo exhibition by renowned contemporary sculptor Rajesh Ram; 2. *Bharat Ke Kaaljayee Kalakar* (India’s Timeless Artists) – an exhibition showcasing artworks by 101 distinguished contemporary Indian artists; and 3. *Mithila Ki Kaaljayee Chitrakala* (Timeless Paintings of Mithila) – a special exhibition featuring rare paintings by celebrated Mithila artists from the 1970s and 1980s.

The celebration was inaugurated by Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary in the grand amphitheater hall of the Bihar Museum, which was packed to capacity with an enthusiastic audience. ...

Deputy Chief Minister Vijendra Prasad Yadav, Secretary of the Art and Culture Department Pranav Kumar, Director General of the National Gallery of Modern Art Dr. Sanjeev Kishore Gautam, and Chief Secretary of the Government of Bihar Pratyaya Amrit were present on the dais.

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Dr. Pramod Kumar, Minister of Art and Culture.

Simultaneously, the three major exhibitions—*'Kagaz Ki Kashti'*, *'Mithila Ki Kaaljayee Chitrakala'*, and *'Bharat Ke Kaaljayee Kalakar'*—were inaugurated at the hands of Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary.

A total of 58 Padma Shri awardees were present at the inaugural ceremony, including Padma Shri Mahua Devi, Padma Shri Dulari Devi, Padma Shri Nirmala Devi, Padma Shri Shanti Devi, Padma Shri Shivam Paswan, Professor Padma Shri Shyam Sharma, Padma Shri Bhim Singh Bhavesh, and Padma Shri Ashok Kumar Biswas. The inaugural ceremony commenced with the rendition of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'. Subsequently, Anjani Kumar Singh, Director General of the Bihar Museum, welcomed the Honorable Chief Minister and other dignitaries on the dais with special ceremonial stoles (*ang-vastras*) crafted using Bihar's folk art forms—namely Manjusha, Mithila, and Tikuli art. Replicas of the 'Laughing Boy' and 'Smiling Girl' made of terracotta were also presented to the Chief Minister and the other dignitaries. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.

The Chief Minister launched two books published by the Bihar Museum: *Remembering Himmat Shah* and *Bihar Museum Biennale 2025: Global South – Sharing History*. He also virtually inaugurated the exhibition titled 'Mithila Ki Chitrakala' (Art of Mithila), currently on display at the Patna Museum.

In his welcome address, Anjani Kumar Singh greeted the Chief Minister and all the dignitaries, stating that the Bihar Museum has evolved beyond being merely a museum; it has become a key center for India's cultural identity and global dialogue. He noted that the three exhibitions commencing today—on the occasion of the museum's Foundation Day—collectively showcase the diversity, tradition, and contemporary vision of Indian art. He expressed confidence that these exhibitions would offer students, researchers, artists, and the general public an opportunity to understand Indian art and culture from a fresh perspective.

Dr. Pramod Kumar, Minister of Art, Culture and Youth Affairs, remarked that the Bihar Museum has transformed from a mere center of history and archaeology into a vibrant symbol of the state's rich cultural heritage, art, and creativity. He stated that the newly inaugurated exhibitions—'Bharat Ke Kaaljayee Kalakar' (Timeless Artists of India), 'Kagaz Ki Kashti' (Paper Boat), and 'Mithila Ki Kaaljayee Chitrakala' (Timeless Art of Mithila)—would serve to elevate the diversity of Indian art and Bihar's cultural identity to new heights. He expressed his belief that these exhibitions would prove inspiring for art lovers, students, and researchers, while providing a significant opportunity to understand Indian culture. Congratulating Anjani Kumar Singh, Director General of the Bihar Museum, and the entire team on the successful event, he stated that the state government is continuously striving for the preservation and promotion of art and culture.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary remarked that Bihar's historical and cultural heritage is unique globally, and the Bihar Museum is becoming an effective medium for conveying this legacy to the new generation. He acknowledged the contribution of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spent nearly an hour and a half viewing the historical and cultural treasures preserved in the museum, appreciating Bihar's rich heritage. He praised the efforts being made by the Bihar government to preserve cultural heritage. He also suggested that the upcoming Bihar Museum Foundation Day be organized on a grander scale with an international dimension, adding that the folk arts and cultural traditions of various countries across the world should be showcased on this sacred soil of Bihar. should be invited so that Bihar can become a major hub for global cultural exchange and our rich cultural heritage gains international recognition. This is an inspiring suggestion for all of us, and we will work earnestly in this direction. Bihar's identity lies in its cultural diversity. Our major languages—such as Hindi, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Angika—form the cornerstone of our cultural heritage. Preserving and promoting these languages, folk arts, and folk traditions is our priority. Extending heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Director General and other officials of the Bihar Museum on its 11th Foundation Day, he expressed hope for the museum's continued progress and a bright future.

Following the conclusion of the main stage event, the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and the Minister of Art and Culture formally inaugurated the exhibition titled 'Timeless Artists of India'—displayed in the Bihar Museum's temporary gallery in collaboration with the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi—by cutting the ribbon and viewing the exhibited artworks. Subsequently, they inaugurated Rajesh Ram's exhibition titled 'Kagaz Ki Kashti' (Paper Boat) in the museum's multi-purpose gallery by cutting the ribbon and viewing the artworks on display.

Performances also took place featuring Rajasthan's renowned 'Kalbelia Dance', 'Chari Dance', and 'Manganiyar' singing, presented in collaboration with the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, Rajasthan. The team of folk artists delivered captivating performances of colorful and grand folk dance and music. Internationally acclaimed Roshan Khan Manganiyar and his 'Kesula Party' presented enchanting Rajasthani and Sufiana folk music.

The musical troupe included Made Khan (Vocalist – *India's Got Talent* artist), Dilip Khan (Dholak), Sabir Khan (Khartal), Champe Khan (Kamaicha and Vocals), Zayed Khan, and Hakim Khan. The artists performed several popular folk songs, including 'Kesariya Balam', 'Nimbuda', and 'Dama Dam Mast Kalandar'.

Additionally, the famous Chari dance of Kishangarh, Rajasthan, was presented by Pooja Naruka and her troupe. The troupe included artists Shimla, Akanksha, Anjali, Garima, Bhavana, Rekha, Yogita, Ritika, Yashoda, and Sonika. Musical accompaniment was provided by Bhanwar Garmi Patrav (harmonium), Hanuman Rao (dhol), Shivraj (thali), and Omprakash Rao (bakia).

The Chari dance is a traditional folk dance from Kishangarh in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. In this dance, women balance brass pots (charis) containing lit lamps on their heads while dancing; the melodious accompaniment of the dhol, thali, and bakia makes the performance even more captivating. Indeed, it serves as a symbol of Rajasthan's rich folk culture.

The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished personalities, including Padma Shri awardees Shanti Devi, Baua Devi, Dulari Devi, Nirmala Devi, Shivam Paswan, Shyam Sharma, Bhim Singh Bhavesh, and Ashok Kumar Biswas. Also in attendance were Anjani Kumar Singh (Director General, Bihar Museum), Ashok Kumar Sinha (Additional Director), Suman Kumar (Director, Kala Jagran), photographer Vijay Jain, senior poet and journalist Dr. Bindeshwar Prasad Gupta, theatre artist and journalist Anish Ankur, Jayaprakash, Virendra Kumar Sinha, Geeta Gupta, Mohini Priya, and Assistant Professor Sohini Priya, alongside numerous other eminent citizens, artists, journalists, and academicians from the city. Needless to say, the magnificent exhibitions and cultural programs held today not only enhanced the prestige of the Bihar Museum's Foundation Day celebrations but also introduced both older and younger generations to extraordinary, imaginative, and exquisite art, while simultaneously elevating the dignity and honor of the artists; indeed, no amount of praise would be enough for the Bihar Museum team—and stating this is certainly no exaggeration.