The capital is virtually split between the rich and the poor and celebration and drudgery over the state’s centenary. On the occasion of Bihar’s 100 years of statehood, the gap has only widened. The Telegraph tries to find out what lies beneath the apparent gloss of Bihar Divas.

Area: Shahgaddi Masjid Jhuggi, off Hardinge Road, in front of BSEB sub-station

Shanties: 350

Landmark: Just 500m from Nitish Kumar’s official residence

Akash Kumar, 16, a resident of the slum, is a Class VIII student of Rajbhavan School. He also works as a labourer.

“There are 12 members in my family and my father is the only earning member. I too have to earn a livelihood for my entire family. I go to the school but the quality of mid-day meal is so poor that most of the times I avoid it,” said Akash. On being asked about Bihar Divas, Akash said: “What difference will something like Bihar Divas bring to my life? For me, life is all about earning bread for my family and myself. At present, my family does not even earn enough to sustain a healthy living.”

Area: Jagjeevan Nagar, underneath Chitkohra railway overbridge

Shanties: 100

Landmark: Within 500m of deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi’s official residence

Rita Devi, a middle-aged woman and a resident of the slum, sells vegetables and works as a domestic help. “There are five members in my family and my husband hardly earns anything. I have to slog throughout the day to ensure that my family members get food twice daily. I earn around Rs 150 everyday, which is not enough to feed everyone. The government has installed electricity meters in our shanties. How on earth can we pay electricity bills when getting food is a daily challenge?” asked Rita.

Though she had no idea about why Bihar Divas is being celebrated, her 14 year-old-daughter Suman explained to her by saying: “It is a celebration to mark the 100th year of Bihar.” Hearing this, Rita just smiled.

Area: Bankipore Collectorate Club Ghat

Shanties: 150

Landmark: Within 500m of Gandhi Maidan and SK Memorial Hall

Upendra Das, 29, a resident of the slum and a rickshaw-puller, seemed frustrated managing the economics of earning a livelihood. “Today, 1kg of rice comes at Rs 25 and 1kg flour at Rs 18. I earn around Rs 50-100 per day and there are seven people in my family. Only I know how I take care of my family, adjusting to the high level of inflation,” said Upendra. On being asked about Bihar Divas, he said: “These things are for the government and for the rich. We have to continue the fight against hunger.”

A sheer contrast to Gandhi Maidan, where 150 food stalls are spoiling the visitors for choice, as Bihar hits a ton.