From literature to music, the rich culture of Mithila - which finds mention in the Ramayana as Janak's kingdom - and which in modern-day India is confined to Maithil speakers in Bihar - was brought alive at the two-day Vidyapati Parv Samoraoh, which concluded around 3.15am on Sunday, at Harmu grounds in Ranchi.

Organised by Jharkhand Maithili Manch, the event inaugurated by Assembly speaker Dinesh Oraon on Friday evening, regaled around 2,000 people with Maithili books, food and music.

Maithili writer Sushmita Pathak was felicitated with Videh Samman for her collection of short stories Rag Virag. She was presented a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a commendation letter.

Addressing the audience during the programme on Saturday night, Pathak said she found Maithili and Bangla to be very similar, sweet and pleasing to the ear.

Hatia MLA Naveen Jaiswal, who was presented a paag (a Maithili cap regarded as a symbol of respect), said: "I feel Maithili-speaking people are present in large numbers in Jharkhand. I promise to ensure the language gets proper recognition in Jharkhand."

Madhubani paintings, dishes such as fish and rice and makhana, traditional dresses and CDs of Maithili songs and books were available at the two-day event.

Singers who presented live performances included Avnindra Nath Thakur, Kunj Bihari Mishra, Poonam Mishra, Amit Jha and Babita Jha.

Ramsevak Thakur, a comedian-cum-theatre artist, came up with some witty one-liners.