Baku, August 14: The Indian Embassy in Azerbaijan hosted a vibrant celebration of ‘Bihar Day’ on Thursday. The event highlighted Bihar’s rich cultural heritage, lively traditions, tourism potential, handicrafts, and traditional cuisine.
Attendees included diplomats from various countries and international organizations, prominent figures from government and various organizations, representatives from the business community, media personnel, social media influencers, members of the Indian diaspora, and many Azerbaijani citizens.
While welcoming guests, Abhay Kumar, the Indian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, emphasized Bihar’s unique place in India’s civilizational history. He noted that Bihar is the birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism and was the center of the ancient Magadh Empire. He also mentioned Nalanda, one of the world’s oldest centers of education, and highlighted the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
According to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Azerbaijan, Kumar recalled Bihar’s historical connections with great personalities such as Emperor Ashoka, Aryabhata, Chanakya, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and Jayaprakash Narayan.
He urged attendees to explore Bihar as a unique center of history, spirituality, culture, and tourism, while also mentioning the state’s rich traditions in art, music, festivals, cuisine, and handicrafts.
A fashion show was a major highlight of the event, featuring participants from both the Azerbaijani community and the Indian diaspora. Participants showcased traditional Indian attire that reflected Bihar’s cultural heritage, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Guests also had the opportunity to taste traditional Bihari dishes specially prepared by international chefs from India. The various snacks and sweets from Bihar were particularly well-received.
The event also featured displays of Bihar’s unique products, including makhana, Bhagalpuri silk, Madhubani paintings, and dal chadar, showcasing the richness of Bihar’s agricultural, handicraft, and textile traditions.
Additionally, cultural performances inspired by Bihar’s musical traditions added vibrancy to the celebration.
The Indian Embassy stated on the social media platform ‘X’ that the celebration of ‘Bihar Day’ is part of its ongoing efforts to promote India’s rich cultural diversity in Azerbaijan and strengthen connections and cultural understanding between the people of India and Azerbaijan.
The embassy noted that the enthusiastic response to the event reflects a strong interest among Azerbaijani citizens and the broader diplomatic and international community in learning about India’s diverse cultural heritage.
Leave a Comment