Rajgir seems to be the most happening place in Bihar to usher in the New Year with the ongoing Mahotsav proving to be an instant hit.

A galaxy of acclaimed artistes is regaling visitors at Rajgir Mahotsav with their everyday performances. After a musical night by noted Bollywood composer and singer Pritam on the inaugural day on Sunday, the second day witnessed a mesmerising performance by celebrated singer Javed Ali.

It was not just the cultural programmes in the evening but there was a lot on offer to keep visitors engaged throughout the day. For instance, the second day started with traditional tonga (horse-cart) race in the morning.

Vendors from different states, including Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, sold clothes, handicraft, interior decoration accessories, agriculture equipment among others.

A book fair and photography exhibition were also held. The tourism department has put up 50 stalls at the venue. The stalls have been distributed among different government departments, including art, culture and youth affairs, agriculture, rural development and health.

'We have brought Valley-made woollens, including shawls and jackets, which one would not get anywhere in Bihar. The price range of our merchandise is between Rs 250 and 10,000,' said Ubaid Ahmad, a vendor from Jammu and Kashmir.

Manoj Kumar, a vendor selling interior decor accessories made in Varanasi, expressed similar views.

'I have come to Rajgir Mahotsav for the second time. The products we are selling here would be difficult to find in Bihar. The price of our products ranges between Rs 100 and 2,100,' said Manoj.

The theme of this year's Rajgir Mahotsav is 'Ancient Nalanda University'. Accordingly, the stage at the main pandal and most other sections have been given the texture similar to the walls of Nalanda ruins.

Thousands of visitors thronged the Quila Maidan, the venue of the Mahotsav, on Monday. A few foreign tourists could also be sighted at the fair.

Spanish couple Andres Martin and Victoria Martin came to Rajgir by taking some time out from their Bodhgaya visit. 'We were informed about the Mahotsav in Bodhgaya and we decided to visit it. We came this afternoon and it looks quite happening,' said Andres.

Shopaholics are exploiting all sorts of options at the Mahotsav.

'The fest is better than the last year. There are more stalls because vendors have come from more states this time,' said Ram Kumar, a resident of Biharshariff, who has been coming to the Mahotsav for nearly a decade.

Among the stalls, which are being seen for the first time in the Rajgir Mahotsav, are vendors from Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh.

'We are selling artificial jewellery made in Rajasthan. The prices range between Rs 10 and Rs 600,' said Vishal Yogi, a vendor from Rajasthan.

'Modi jackets' made in Uttarakhand are also on offer at the Mahotsav.

'We are offering woollens such as bandis, shawls and jackets among others. The Modi jacket is priced at Rs 1,350 but we are giving a discount of 10-20 per cent on all items,' said Deepak Kumar, a vendor from Uttarakhand.