Bihar Diwas 2017

Bihar Diwas is observed on 22 March because on that date in 1912 the province of Bihar and Orissa was separated from the Bengal Presidency under British rule.

Bihar Diwas on 22 March commemorates the formation of Bihar and Orissa as a separate province of British India in 1912. Before that date the region had been administered within the Bengal Presidency, although its languages, cultural history and local political movements were distinct. The reorganisation was an administrative development under colonial rule, not the beginning of Bihar's much older society and civilisation.

The province did not retain the same boundaries forever. Orissa separated in 1936, and Jharkhand was created from the southern districts of Bihar in 2000. These changes shaped the present state. Bihar's deeper history includes ancient Magadha, Buddhist and Jain traditions, universities such as Nalanda, and the later contributions of thinkers, artists, workers and freedom-movement participants. Their history is broader than any single anniversary.

Schools, civic bodies and cultural groups celebrate languages such as Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi and Angika, as well as folk arts, regional food, educational achievement and public service. The day encourages reflection on development and equal opportunity as well as pride in heritage. The Gregorian date remains fixed at 22 March, while official state programmes may vary each year.

Bihar Diwas helps remember an important person, institution, event or public value in India.

Historical education, language and folk-art celebrations and civic programmes.

Bihar commemorates the 1912 provincial reorganisation on 22 March; later 1936 and 2000 boundary changes remain distinct.