Aiming to strengthen cultural ties and celebrate heritage, the four-day Bihar Mahotsav-2026 got underway at the Art of Living international center in Bengaluru. The inaugural ceremony was jointly marked by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The Chief Minister expressed deep appreciation to the founder for providing the venue and hosting the grand event. In return, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar hailed the festival as a powerful medium for fostering national integration and deep cultural bonding.
Balancing Contributions to Karmabhumi and Janmabhumi
Addressing the gathering, Samrat Choudhary highlighted that Bihar has historically been a cradle of knowledge, philosophy, compassion, and non-violence for the entire world. The land has nurtured legendary figures such as Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira, Guru Gobind Singh, and Mahatma Gandhi. He made an earnest appeal to the diaspora residing across different parts of the country to actively contribute not only to the development of their places of livelihood but also to the progress of their motherland. He asserted that a prosperous Bihar is essential for realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India.
Upcoming Sita Temple by December 2028
Reflecting on the state's glorious history, the Chief Minister noted that Pataliputra served as its historic capital. In a significant announcement, he stated that a grand temple dedicated to Mata Sita will be established in Bihar within the next two years, with a completion target set for December 31, 2028. Praising the humanitarian and spiritual work of the Art of Living Foundation, he noted that since its inception in 1981, the organization has guided humanity toward a better way of living over the past 45 years. He credited the founder for utilizing techniques like Sudarshan Kriya to help people lead healthy and stress-free lives.
Transforming Financial Landscape and Budget Growth
Detailing the economic transformation of the state, the Chief Minister recalled his early days as a member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly nearly 27 years ago, when the state's annual budget stood at a modest 6,000 crore rupees. Following the bifurcation and creation of Jharkhand, financial resources were extremely limited as a major share of state revenue originated from that region. Despite such hurdles, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Bihar scripted a remarkable growth story. He pointed out that as the state finance minister in 2024, he presented a budget amounting to 3.17 lakh crore rupees, serving as concrete proof of the changing financial realities and accelerated pace of development.
Expanding Irrigation Networks and Embracing AI
Focusing on infrastructural advancements, the Chief Minister noted massive improvements in the irrigation sector. While previously around 2.1 million hectares of land had irrigation coverage, the figure has now expanded to approximately 4.4 million hectares. The administration has set a firm target to bring 7 million hectares under irrigation before the year 2030. Acknowledging the industrious nature of Biharis working in major cities like Bengaluru, he urged them to stay connected to their roots. Furthermore, he emphasized that the current era belongs to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Much like computers, the internet, and social media transformed the globe, AI will revolutionize governance and public service delivery, a technology the state is increasingly integrating to strengthen good governance.
Strict Accountability and Redressal of Public Grievances
Highlighting the state's dedicated grievance redressal framework, the Chief Minister explained that a systematic approach has been implemented to resolve public issues within strict deadlines. Under this mechanism, if a citizen's grievance remains unaddressed even after 30 days, an automatic order for the suspension of the responsible official is triggered. Ensuring citizen satisfaction, enhancing convenience, and delivering prompt justice remain the core objectives of democratic administration. Operating on this principle, he personally reviews public complaints on the second Tuesday of every month.
Champaran Legacy and Cultural Exhibitions
Recalling the historic significance of Motihari and Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha, he remarked that the soil of Champaran played a pivotal role in transforming Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi into the Mahatma. To propel Bihar into a fresh era of prosperity, the collective support of everyone living outside the state is indispensable. Seeking blessings from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, he expressed hope that Bihar will march shoulder-to-shoulder with the rest of the nation to elevate its global standing. During the event, the Chief Minister toured various stalls displaying traditional Madhubani paintings and authentic Bihari delicacies. Earlier, he visited the ashram's cowshed and gurukul, offering prayers at the Ganesha temple for the well-being of all citizens. He honored the spiritual leader by presenting traditional attire including a Pag and an Angavvastra, while receiving a similar token of appreciation in return. Interacting with media persons, he described the celebration as a moment of immense joy for the people of Bihar, while Sri Sri Ravi Shankar lauded the vibrant display of India's diverse heritage at the festival grounds.
