Only Bihari asmita or pride can unite people from the state settled across the globe.

This notion is clearly evident with the celebrations of 103rd foundation year of Bihar being reported from different parts of the world.

Bihar Divas celebrations are being held in other states like Mumbai and Bangalore and even in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, UAE and Qatar. Bihar Foundation, a state government initiative, is playing key role in coordinating with its chapters across the globe for holding the Bihar Divas celebrations. 

“Bihar Divas is celebrated by different chapters of Bihar Foundation across the globe over a period of a month starting around March 22. As per communications with various chapters, we have been informed that Bihar Divas celebrations are going to be held in Mumbai and Hyderabad in India, and in countries like Hong Kong and Qatar over the next few days. During the Bihar Divas celebrations outside the state, the non-resident Biharis normally hold daylong events where activities like seminar, cultural activities and lunch or dinner are hosted,” said Ganga Kumar, additional chief executive officer, Bihar Foundation.

Shakil Kakvi, president, World Bihar Organisation, Qatar, who has been playing the lead role in organising Bihar Divas celebrations in the country since 2012, said the festivities would be held in Doha as well this year.

Kakvi is in Patna since the past two days to attend the ongoing Bihar Divas celebrations and he met chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday. “Many non-resident Biharis in West Asia have been demanding direct flight from gulf-countries to Patna,” said Kakvi. On the upcoming celebrations of Bihar Divas in Doha, Kakvi said: “The celebrations would be held soon after my return to Qatar.”

“Celebrating Bihar Divas is a proud feeling for us, who are staying abroad. It provides us an opportunity to show solidarity,” said Medha Verma, a homemaker based in Dubai.  Sources in Bihar Foundation claimed that the Bihar Divas celebrations are also scheduled to be held in Singapore and Malaysia as well. “Though chapters for Bihar Foundation have not been opened yet in Singapore and Malaysia but we have been informed by the representatives of non-resident Biharis staying over there that the preparations are afoot for the state foundation day celebrations,” said a senior official at Bihar Foundation, Patna.

The state foundation day celebrations are being held in New Delhi as well. State industries department set up stalls of handicraft, handloom and cuisines at Dilli Haat.