The government will honour women from all 38 districts this Bihar Divas, marking the 103rd year of the state's separation from the Bengal presidency in 1912.
Bihar Divas is celebrated every year from March 22. The education department, the organiser of the three-day extravaganza, has floated names of artistes such as Hariharan for performances. Events will be staged at SK Memorial Hall, Premchand Rangshala and Gandhi Maidan.
"The structure of the celebration is almost same every year," said K. Senthil, additional secretary, education, who called a meeting around 11.30am on Monday.
The theme this year is communal harmony and the slogan, Mile Sur Mera Tumhara. The government will unveil its women empowerment policy on March 22. Chief minister Nitish Kumar has also announced the government would award ladies who have contributed to women's empowerment.
Ajay Kumar Pathak, public relations officer, social welfare, said: "One woman from each of the 38 districts would be awarded Rs 50,000 each for contributing to women's empowerment. Another woman (possibly someone who has set a landmark) would be awarded Rs 1 lakh for her contribution to women's empowerment. This award would be given every year starting this time."
Apart from food stalls showcasing cuisines of the different states, residents would be mesmerised by artistes all three days. A source said: "We have proposed names of Sharda Sinha, Hariharan, Rekha Bhardwaj and Salim-Sulaiman for the cultural events at Gandhi Maidan. Their presence is yet to be confirmed."
The Wadali Brothers and sarod players Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan are expected to perform at SK Memorial Hall. Kavi sammelan and mushaira have also been scheduled at Premchand Rangshala on March 24.