Bihar Diwas was celebrated for the first time in Wellington on March 24.
The special event was held at the High Commission of India premises, with community organiser Avinash Srivastav as the host for the evening and young Naina Tiwari welcoming the guests in Bhojpuri, a language widely spoken in the Indian state of Bihar.
Srivastav briefed the assembly on the rich culture, tradition and history of Bihar.
High Commissioner of India to New Zealand Neeta Bhushan lit the inaugural lamp.
Addressing the gathering drawn largely from the Bihari diaspora, many of whom wore traditional costumes, High Commissioner Bhushan described Biharis as being “very humble people who don’t like to boast about their achievements.”
She congratulated the Bihari community, with which she identified (“My parents are also from Bihar”), for their “effort to teach the younger generation your culture and your values.” The ancient civilisation that modern Bihar represented was integral to India’s history, the High Commissioner added.
Biharis have represented India in spheres such as politics, culture, sports, technology and medicine, she noted, adding that Buddhism and Jainism originated in Bihar, which made the state the seat of ancient wisdom and learning.
Nalanda University in Bihar had been taken over by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and “developed into an international university to revive the glory of Bihar,” High Commissioner Bhushan pointed out. Bihar was also emerging as a key destination for tourists, with Bodh Gaya [a Buddhist pilgrimage centre] drawing huge crowds.
The first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, as well as other political luminaries such as Babu Jagjeevan Ram and Jayaprakash Narayan, hailed from Bihar, she noted.
The High Commissioner closed her address by commending the initiative taken by Srivastav to celebrate Bihar Diwas.
A short documentary on Bihar followed, after which former Bihar director general of police Abhayanad spoke from Bihar via video about Super 30, an experiment in education. In a second video telecast, advocate and founder member of Atmabodh Dr Mourya Vijay Chandra discussed the investment prospects of Bihar.
Up next, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Greg O’Connor drew applause for saying he looked forward to mangoes from Bihar becoming available in NZ. He said it was important for ethnic communities to preserve their culture through dance, food and the celebration of their festivals.
Referring to the custom of Bihari women welcoming their menfolk after a long absence with a traditional song, O’Connor quipped: “ …. unlike New Zealand women who tell their husbands not to wake up the kids when they come home.” This was met by loud applause from the audience.
Indian High Commission Second Secretary Durga Dass regaled the audience with his lively rendition of shayaris.
The speeches were interspersed with variety entertainment reflecting the popular folk songs and dances of the state.
The guests were treated to Bihari cuisine, which included dishes such as Litti Chokha, Aloo Kathal Ki Sabji, Channe Ki Ghugni and Pua.
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