Preparations in Full Swing for the Epicenter of Anga Region's Folk Culture, the 'Bihula-Vishahari Puja
Bhagalpur, Office Correspondent: An atmosphere imbued with devotion and enthusiasm has already enveloped the entire region in anticipation of 'Bihula-Vishahari Puja', a festival symbolizing the ancient folk lore, culture, and unshakeable faith tied to the Anga region (Bhagalpur). To ensure the upcoming Vishahari Puja ceremony is historic and magnificent, the Bihula Vishahari Puja Committee has rolled up its sleeves. In this sequence, the committee has initiated a comprehensive public contact campaign, going door-to-door to invite people to connect with this cultural grand festival. During the campaign, an appeal has been made for everyone to light at least one lamp in their respective homes on this upcoming sacred occasion, illuminating the entire region with the worship of Goddess Vishahari and Sati Bihula. President's Award-winning artist Manoj Pandit has also actively participated in this special awareness program and public outreach, placing special emphasis on the publicity and cultural significance of the Bihula Puja.
Bihula-Vishahari Puja: The Great Folk Tale of Anga Pradesh
The tale of love, devotion, and struggle involving Sati Bihula and Bala Lakhvinder, rooted in the soil of Bhagalpur, is deeply woven into the local way of life:
Historical and Cultural Significance: Celebrated every year during the month of Sawan, this festival holds a special place in Anga Pradesh (Bhagalpur and surrounding districts). Based on the legend of Goddess Vishahari (Maa Mansa) and the family of Chandu Saudagar, a merchant from Champanagar, this festival is not merely a religious ritual, but a reflection of the region's rich folk art, music, and cultural heritage.
Date of the Grand Event: The main celebration of the Bihula-Vishahari Puja will be celebrated with great pomp on August 17, inspiring immense preparation and fervor among committees and locals alike.
Public Outreach Campaign and the 'Lamp in Every Home' Appeal
The primary objective of the public contact campaign launched by the puja committee is to connect the younger generation with their culture and ensure mass participation in this grand festival:
Door-to-Door Visits: Committee members and officials are reaching out to people door-to-door from urban neighborhoods to rural areas. Messages are being delivered inviting people to engage with the history, traditions, and grand scale of the puja.
Illuminating Every Corner: During the campaign, a unique appeal has been made for every family in the region to light a single lamp at their main doorstep during the puja. This lamp will not merely symbolize light; it will convey a message of praying for happiness, peace, prosperity, and the boundless grace of Goddess Vishahari across the region.
Special Participation by President's Award-Winning Manoj Pandit
The presence of President's Award-winning folk artist Manoj Pandit in this public contact campaign and cultural program added a special luster to the proceedings:
Emphasis on Preserving Culture: During the program, Manoj Pandit stressed the necessity of keeping this great folk culture of the Anga region alive and passing it down to the younger generation. He stated that the saga of Bihula-Vishahari is not just a story, but the identity of our civilization that binds us to our core values.
Appeal for Widespread Publicity: He urged youth, enlightened citizens, and social organizations across the region to step forward and make this event a success. He remarked that the preservation of folk art and festivals is only possible when every tier of society plays an active role.
Unprecedented Enthusiasm Witnessed Among Villagers and City Dwellers
The impact of the committee's campaign is now clearly visible in urban alleyways and rural interiors:
Fervor Among Women and Youth: Significant participation from youth and women is being witnessed in meetings and public outreach rallies organized by the puja committees. People are being made aware through banners, posters, and cultural gatherings at various locations.
Security and Administrative Preparations: Coordination meetings between the local administration and puja committees have also commenced to ensure the main celebration on August 17 is conducted peacefully and smoothly, preventing any inconvenience to devotees.
This public contact campaign launched by the Bihula Vishahari Puja Committee and the call to light a 'lamp in every home' present a beautiful example of the cultural unity of Anga Pradesh. The association of esteemed artists like President's Award winner Manoj Pandit serves as proof that our folk culture remains just as vibrant and influential today. The grand festival scheduled for August 17 will undoubtedly establish new benchmarks of mutual harmony, faith, and grandeur.
