By Chaudhary placed particular emphasis on Bihar’s religious and historical heritage, the development of Buddhist tourism and the global promotion of Chhath Mahaparv. He urged people originally from Bihar to contribute to the development of their home state alongside their professional responsibilities, saying greater international visibility could create opportunities for tourism, employment and economic growth.
IFS Officers Asked to Promote Bihar’s Tourism Potential
During the meeting at Sankalp Hall in Loksevak Awas, the visiting officers shared their professional experiences with the Chief Minister and offered suggestions on promoting Bihar’s tourism destinations and products internationally.
Chaudhary said Bihar had considerable tourism potential, with destinations such as Gaya Ji and Sultanganj offering religious and historical attractions for visitors from India and abroad. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to develop the Buddhist Circuit and encourage eco-tourism across the state.
The Chief Minister said IFS officers could play an important role in bringing these destinations to international attention through their experience, diplomatic contacts and understanding of different countries. He also stressed the importance of presenting Bihar’s local products to overseas markets and building a more recognisable international identity for the state.
Chhath Mahaparv at the Centre of Global Promotion Plans
Chaudhary specifically highlighted Chhath Mahaparv, describing it as Bihar’s most prominent festival of public faith and devotion. During the festival, large numbers of devotees gather at riverbanks and other water bodies across Patna and different parts of the state to offer arghya to the Sun God.
He also drew attention to the renowned Sun temples in Munger and Aurangabad, which attract large crowds of devotees during religious occasions.
The Chief Minister said efforts should be made to introduce Chhath to a wider international audience, encouraging people from different countries to visit Bihar and understand the festival’s distinctive cultural and spiritual traditions.
Chhath’s association with community participation, traditional rituals and worship of the Sun offers Bihar an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage beyond the Indian diaspora, the broader aim being to bring more international attention to the state’s traditions.
Tourism Push Linked to Jobs and Economic Growth
The Chief Minister said showcasing Bihar’s cultural heritage, religious traditions, historical landmarks and locally made products on global platforms could help expand tourism and generate employment.
Greater international recognition, he indicated, could also support economic activity by drawing visitors to religious destinations, historical sites and cultural events while opening potential markets for products made in Bihar.
At the end of the meeting, Chaudhary honoured the visiting IFS officers with shawls and mementoes.
Diplomats from Several International Missions Attend
The delegation included Kumar Gaurav, Deputy High Commissioner in the Maldives; Akash Gupta, Counsellor at the Indian Embassy in Rome; Nitesh Kumar, Counsellor at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad; and Tavishi Behl Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Muscat.
Others present were Dr Rajiv Ranjan, Director for Central America in the Ministry of External Affairs; Naveen Kumar, Counsellor at the Indian Embassy in Paris; and Manusmriti, Director for the Northern Division in the ministry.
Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and Chief Minister’s Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh were also present at the meeting.
The discussions placed Bihar’s tourism destinations, Chhath Mahaparv and local products at the centre of a proposed international outreach effort, with the state looking to use its diplomatic network to reach audiences beyond India.
