Diwali, the festival of lights finds special place less or rather in the cultural fabric of Bihar which have an entwaddle of the ancient customs and without any confusion with the regional modernities form celebrations akin and well imbued with the past. Celebration of this radiant festival by Bhihar is a manifestation of centuries of religious following, culture development, and local taste which make it unlike Diwali celebrations in other Indian states.
Ancient Roots and Mythological Connections
Bihar has been linked to Diwali since the ancient times and this people is reluctant to divulge its association with the rich mythology of the state. The area of the modern day Bihar used to be an extent of the great kingdoms that were listed in Hindu epics. According to the local legends, the expedition of Lord Rama traversed some of this land, and the custom of lighting lamps on which he was coming home, appealed to the hearts of the people in this land.
The rituals of Diwali are given a different meaning to in the ancient kingdom of Mithila, located in the north of Bihar. In this case too the festival has got its connexion related to worship of goddess Lakshmi however the rituals have got their own local flavours which have been followed down the lineage of people, Maithil Brahmins as well as other related community.
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Medieval Period: Festivals Under Different Dynasties
Bihar is a place, which experienced the governance of different types of dynasties and each had its influence on Diwali. Pala dynasty that encouraged Buddhism existed concurrently with Hindu festivals where Diwali was being practised by lighting lamps as a depiction of overcoming ignorance by knowledge.
An interesting syncretism Diwali in Bihar is also observed under the influence of the Mughals, and subsequently of its rulers, of the region. Although the basic Hindu cultures had been preserved, the festival was to a large degree opened up to all and thus the individuals of other caste systems were also involved in the celebrations, especially in normal cities such as Patna.
Traditional Bihar Diwali Customs
Kali Puja Prominence: Another unique phenomenon of Diwali women in Bihar especially those areas bordering Bengal is the high importance attached towards Kali Puja on the new moon night of Diwali. This custom is a sign of tantric si visne region and the ShakiDevotion.
Lighting the Path with Earthen Lamps: In older times, the villages and towns of Bihar used to be filled with thousands of made earthen diyas lighting. A cottage industry also emerged in most areas of Bihar in the tradition of lamp making and some whole families got involved in pottery as a specialised business during the Diwali season.
Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja: The Diwali night celebration has been incomprehensible without the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh. This pulling in of prosperity was done by families as they would set up large alpanas (rangoli designs) at their fronts and backyards with rice flour in their houses.
Chhath Connection: What is so special about Diwali in avatar of Bihar is its relationship with Chhath Puja that appears only a few days after the Diwali. In the past, celebrations of Diwali in Bihar were considered the commencement of a period of prolonged festivals that present-day Chhath festival in honour of the Sun God.
Colonial Era Transformations
Celebration of Diwali in Bihar changed after the British became colonists. Whereas in the rural regions, traditional ways of celebrating the Diwali festivities were maintained, in urban areas such as Patna, festivity celebrations were organised. The mythological tales were now more available to the ordinary citizen along with the availability of Diwali greetings and religious texts due to the availability of the printing press.
Surprisingly, the historical documents of the colonial times talk of when the officials of Britain in Bihar frequently provided holidays during Diwali as they considered the significance of this festival among the locals. Special fairs would fill the markets, and traders all over the region would be there, closing old book accounts and opening new ones--the recognised manner.
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Post-Independence Evolution
Diwali celebrations of Bihar assumed other forms after gaining their independence. The festival was turned into a social event and culture. The tradition of gifting candies and presents and some of the schools and colleges began of celebrating Diwali melas (fairs).
The flood of firecrackers became popularised more in 1970s and 1980s but the traditional lamp-lighting proved to be the most popular aspect of the celebration. The cities of Bihar were celebrated in a grand way where the buildings of the government and the open areas were illuminated with lights.
Regional Variations Within Bihar
Mithila Region: The Maithili speaking BR has retained some of the oldest traditions of Diwali celebration, with the women preparing beautiful patterns of Aripana and performing some kinds of rituals peculiar to the Maithil tradition.
Magadh Region: Festivities of Diwali in the southern part of Bihar comprising the former Magadh kingdom are commonly characterised by acts of religion whose influence on the part is Buddhism and Hindu traditions.
Bhojpur Region: The Bhojpuri-speaking districts of Western Bihar observe Diwali by playing local music and dance styles and uses the occasion as the time to interact with others.
Traditional Foods and Sweets
The Diwali of Bihar would never be complete without sweets. Thekua, the dry sweet composed of jaggery and wheat flour is prepared in every house is cooked. Diwali festivities in the past have evolved into Khaja at Silao, tilkut (sesame and jaggery bars) as well as laddoos of various kinds. The preparation of these treats always starts days before the celebration based on ancient recipes used by the families.
The Cultural Significance
Diwali in Bihar has been not merely a religious festival all through the ages. It was during an end of a period of harvest when farmers rejoiced over their prosperity. The festival brought about equality among the people regardless of their castes and economic status and they held the celebrations, shared sugary treats as well as visited one another.
The servant appreciation traditions that occurred during Diwali when families used to offer gifts and bonuses to their attendants has very ancient origins in the social organisation of Bihar. This was done because of the theme of thanksgiving and prosperity sharing which the festival highlights.
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Modern Times and Preservation of Traditions
Some of the elements of the ancient Hindu festivities appear to mix so beautifully with the current ones in Bihar today in regards to Diwali. Although in most cities oiled lamps have since been substituted with electric lights, in Bihar country the light up in the countryside continues through setting up the lamp with innumerable diyas made of diya- bufan. The attempt of the state to give environmental-friendly celebrations has in fact, rejuvenated the conservative means.
Even when the young generation moves to cities, they still tend to come back during Diwali to make sure that there is continuity in the family family traditions and regional lifestyle. Social media also has been contributive towards sending a significant part of documenting and sharing the Bihar unique Diwali among the world.
Conclusion
The culture of the Diwali traditions in Bihar indicates the richness of the region and the capacity of the people to retain their rituals in adjusting to the present times. Diwali has been there forever bringing not only light to them but to unite the families and locality and their common heritage between the ancient makes and the contemporary states. The magic of this ancient festival of light is sought to be held as the Diwali festivities of Bihar provide a linkage between its good old and good future.
