Bihar Diwas Celebrated in New York with Cultural Tribute

The Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with the Bihar Foundation USA East Coast Chapter and the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA), hosted a vibrant celebration of Bihar Diwas. The event showcased the state’s rich cultural heritage, tourism, and diverse cuisine.

A highlight of this year’s event was a heartfelt tribute to renowned Indian folk singer Padma Bhushan Sharda Sinha. Her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi folk music have played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Bihar’s traditional melodies over the decades.

Sharing glimpses of the celebration on X, the Consulate General of India in New York wrote, “@IndiainNewYork celebrated #BiharDiwas in partnership with @BiharUsa & @BJANAUS, highlighting Bihar’s tourism, culture, Madhubani paintings, and cuisine.” The post also emphasized the special tribute to Sharda Sinha, recognizing her lifelong dedication to folk music.

Additionally, the event honored four distinguished community members—Prakash Jha, Abhishek Tiwary, Sharad Kumar, and Mahesh Kumar—with the Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman Awards. This prestigious recognition highlighted their outstanding contributions to the diaspora and their impactful work in various fields.

As part of the award ceremony, the honorees shared their experiences and the significance of their efforts, adding depth to the celebrations. The evening also commemorated the 50-year jubilee of the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America, recognizing its vital role in uniting and supporting the Bihar and Jharkhand communities abroad.

The Consulate General of India in New York shared that the Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman Awards recognized prominent community leaders Prakash Jha, Abhishek Tiwary, Sharad Kumar, and Mahesh Kumar for their exceptional contributions. The post also highlighted the milestone anniversary of BJANA and its legacy of service.

Bihar Diwas is observed annually on March 22 to mark the state’s formation in 1912, when it was separated from Bengal during British rule. In Bihar, it is recognized as a public holiday, celebrating the state’s history and cultural heritage.