Transport minister Brishen Patel flags off the car rally on Friday. Picture by Ashok Sinha

High-end cars hit the streets on Friday to spread the message of Bihar’s glory beyond the state’s boundary.

A 10-day car rally — “Glory of Bihar” — started on Friday. The education department, in association with Magadh Motor Sports Club, has organised it. Around 11 sports utility vehicles (SUVs) taking part in it show the areas Bihar excels in. Based on themes like heritage, tourism, women empowerment, cuisines, religion and scholars, the rally was flagged off by transport minister Brishen Patel from the capital.

The rally would culminate in Puri after passing through Bodhgaya, Jamshedpur, Bhubaneswar, Konark and Digha. Every vehicle has a sub-theme depicting the resurgent Bihar, including Nalanda University and ancient Patliputra.

“This year, the rally has a very interesting mix of themes depicting the state’s culture and heritage. The rally would help in promoting the rich culture of Bihar,” Patel said.

Sudhanshu Sinha, the president of the motor club, said their motto was to spread the glory of Bihar nationally. “We will distribute Bihar’s traditional cuisine like tilkut, khaaja and peda during the course of the rally,” he said.

Yakub Khan, an engineering student and a native of Bihar, came all the way from New Delhi to attend the rally. “I wanted to attend the rally at any cost. This is the only way I can promote my native state with the help of adventure sport,” said the 21-year-old.

Rally co-ordinator Pranav Sahi said they intend to cover a distance of about 2,200km and meet at least 10,000 people during their drive. “We would halt at different locations and hold news meets. We would inform people about the purpose of the car rally,” he said.

Greogry Kauffmann, a photographer from France, would accompany the participants throughout their journey to capture the event on his lens. “This is an exceptional way to promote the culture of Bihar. I will click pictures and exhibit them in my country. The state needs an international exposure,” said Kauffmann.