The much-awaited Rajgir Mahotsav is back in Bihar and is being held from November 30 to December 2. The three-day mahotsav, organised by the State Tourism Department in association with Nalanda district administration, will be a tourism attraction and boost local economy.

According to Bihar Tourism, Rajgir Mahotsav is a representation of history, religion, art, and culture. The festival has been around since 1986 and is celebrated to highlight the historically and culturally rich heritage of Nalanda and Rajgir.

The event, like previous editions, will feature cultural programmes, a rural fair, wrestling matches, sports competition, food fair, women’s festival, exhibitions, street plays and more.

In a bid to make the event a success, 32 separate committees have been formed, each comprising of a chairman, a nodal officer and other officials.

Rajgir or “The City of Kings,” is a historic town in the district of Nalanda in Bihar, India. The place is a famous tourist destination in the State, wherein people visit to experience the tradition and history of Bihar. Rajgir not only has connections from the Mahabharata period, but also holds prominence in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Scriptures.

The place also has a rich historical background. It was the capital of the Haryanka dynasty, the Pradyota dynasty, the Brihadratha dynasty and the Mauryan Empire.

Tourists can discover the historical, religious and cultural aspects of the city. Moreover, the place also has natural beauty which can be explored, for instance, the Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary.

In addition to these, some of the popular tourists attractions in the city are the ancient city walls from Ajatashatru’s period, Bimbisar’s Jail, Jarasandh’s Akhara, Gridhra-kuta, (‘Hill of the Vultures’), Son Bhandar Caves and the Jain temples on the five peaks. Other important attractions include the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, the natural hot water springs called Brahmakund, the ruins of Nalanda and more.