| governing_body = [[Begusarai Municipal Corporation]]
| named_for =
| unit_pref = Metric
| government_type =
| area_footnotes =
| governing_body =
| area_rank =
| unit_pref = Metric
| elevation_footnotes =
| area_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 41
| area_total_km2 =
| population_total = 252,008<ref name="Census"/>
| area_rank =
| population_as_of = 2011
| elevation_footnotes =
| population_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 41
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_total = 251,136<ref name="Census"/>
| population_rank =
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = [[Language]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| population_rank =
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi]]<ref name="langoff">{{cite web|title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|access-date=22 January 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]<ref name="langoff">{{cite web|title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|access-date=22 January 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
(recognised under the [[Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India]])<ref name="mha.nic.in">{{Cite web |url=http://mha.nic.in/hindi/sites/upload_files/mhahindi/files/pdf/Eighth_Schedule.pdf |title=Constitutional provisions relating to Eighth Schedule |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305010536/http://mha.nic.in/hindi/sites/upload_files/mhahindi/files/pdf/Eighth_Schedule.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| image_alt = Clockwise from top left: Naulakha Temple, Kali Mandir, Barauni Refinery, Begusarai Railway Station
| image_caption = ''Clockwise from top left:'' Naulakha Temple, Kali Mandir, [[Barauni Refinery]], [[Begusarai railway station|Begusarai Railway Station]]
| government_type = [[Municipal Corporation]]
}}
}}
'''Begusarai''' is the industrial and financial capital of Bihar and the administrative headquarters of the [[Begusarai district]], which is one of the thirty-eight districts of the Indian state of [[Bihar]]. The district lies on the northern bank of the river [[Ganges]] in the [[Mithila (region)|Mithila region]] of India.
'''Begusarai''' is the administrative headquarters of [[Begusarai district]], which is one of the thirty-eight districts of the Indian state of [[Bihar]]. The district lies on the northern bank of river Ganga. It is located at latitudes 25.15N & 25.45N and longitudes 85.45E & 86.36E. It was established in 1870.
==Etymology==
Begusarai was named after "Begu" a man who was the devotee of [[Durga|Bari Durga Maharani]] was the care taker of "Sarai" an old and small market of the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.begusaraionline.in/city-guide/about-begusarai|title=How was Begusarai named" www.begusaraionline.in |access-date= 19 March 2023}}</ref>
==Geography==
==Geography==
Begusarai is located at {{Coord|25.42|N|86.13|E|}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/34/Begusarai.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Begusarai, India|website=www.fallingrain.com|access-date=26 December 2019}}</ref> It has an average elevation of 41 metres (134 feet). Begusarai lies in [[North Bihar]] and is surrounded by [[Khagaria]] in North-East, [[Munger district|Munger]] in South-East, [[Patna]] in West and [[Samastipur]] in North-West.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.begusarai.bih.nic.in|title=Welcome to Begusarai !! District|website=www.begusarai.bih.nic.in|access-date=4 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521022638/http://begusarai.bih.nic.in/|archive-date=21 May 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Topography===
Begusarai is located at {{Coord|25.42|N|86.13|E|}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/34/Begusarai.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Begusarai, India|website=www.fallingrain.com|access-date=26 December 2019}}</ref> It has an average elevation of 41 metres (134 feet). Begusarai lies in [[North Bihar]] and is surrounded by [[Khagaria]] in the north-east, [[Munger district|Munger]] in the south-east, [[Patna]] in the west and [[Samastipur]] in the north-west.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.begusarai.bih.nic.in|title=Welcome to Begusarai !! District|website=www.begusarai.bih.nic.in|access-date=4 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521022638/http://begusarai.bih.nic.in/|archive-date=21 May 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Begusarai lies in the middle of the mid [[Ganges|Ganga]] plain and generally has low lying [[terrain]] with South to South Easterly slope.<ref name=":0">The Subsurface Geology of the Indo-Gangetic plains M.B.R Rao, 1973, no:-3, vol-14, Journal of the Geological Society of India, pp-217-242.</ref> Begusarai is basically divided in three [[flood]] plains namely :1) [[Ganges|Ganga]] Flood Plain 2) [[Budhi Gandaki River|Burhi Gandak]] Flood plain 3) Kareha-[[Bagmati River|Bagmati]] Flood Plain.
Begusarai lies in the middle of the mid-[[Ganges|Ganga]] plain and generally has low-lying [[terrain]] with a south to south-easterly slope.<ref name=":0">The Subsurface Geology of the Indo-Gangetic plains M.B.R Rao, 1973, no:-3, vol-14, Journal of the Geological Society of India, pp-217-242.</ref> Begusarai is basically divided into three [[floodplains]]:
#[[Ganges|Ganga]] floodplain
#[[Budhi Gandaki River|Burhi Gandak]] floodplain
#Kareha-[[Bagmati River|Bagmati]] floodplain.
===Flora and fauna===
[[File:Kanwar Lake Begusarai by Ziddi Photowala.jpg|thumb|Kanwar Lake Begusarai- A [[List of Ramsar sites in India|Ramsar Convention Site wetland]]]]
In 1989 Begusarai district became home to the ''Kanwar jheel'', or [[Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary]], with an area of {{convert|63|km2|mi2|abbr=on|1}}.<ref name=parks>{{cite web|author=Indian Ministry of Forests and Environment|title=Protected areas: Bihar|url=http://oldwww.wii.gov.in/envis/envis_pa_network/index.htm|access-date=25 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823163836/http://oldwww.wii.gov.in/envis/envis_pa_network/index.htm|archive-date=23 August 2011}}</ref>
==Demographics==
==Demographics==
As per 2011 census Begusarai Municipal Corporation had a total population of 251,136, out of which 133,931 were males and 117,205 were females with sex ratio at 875. The population younger than 5 years of age was 37,966. The literacy rate of the 7+ population was 79.35%.<ref name="Census">{{cite web|url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |title = Cities having population 1 lakh and above |work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011 |access-date = 16 April 2012}}</ref>
As per the 2011 census, Begusarai Municipal Corporation had a total population of 251,136, of whom 133,931 were male and 117,205 were female with a sex ratio of 875. The population younger than 5 years of age was 37,966. The literacy rate of the 7+ population was 79.35%.<ref name="Census">{{cite web|url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |title = Cities having population 1 lakh and above |work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011 |access-date = 16 April 2012}}</ref>
===Religion===
{{Pie chart|value1=89.00|value2=10.50|value3=0.50|label1=Hinduism|label2=Islam|label3=Others|color1=darkorange|color2=green|color3=grey|caption=Religion in Begusarai city (2011)<ref name="Census_Religion"/>}}
[[Hinduism]] is the major religion in Begusarai city, with 224,282 followers (89%). Islam is second, with 26,531 [[Muslims]] (10.53%). Other religions include 325 [[Christians]] (0.13%), 134 [[Sikhs]] (0.05%), 31 Jains (0.01%), 29 Buddhists (0.01%), 14 other religions (0.01%) and 662 (0.26%) non-respondents<ref name="Census_Religion">{{cite web |title=C-01: Population by religious community - Begusarai |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11366/download/14479/DDW10C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in |access-date=12 July 2022}}</ref>
==Government and politics==
Begusarai has traditionally been a [[communist]] stronghold and was once referred to as the "Leningrad of Bihar".<ref>{{cite news |url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-23/patna/28051041_1_ml-central-committee-member-united-left-bloc-poll-campaign |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121023143310/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-23/patna/28051041_1_ml-central-committee-member-united-left-bloc-poll-campaign |url-status = dead |archive-date = 23 October 2012 |title = ULB launches poll campaign |author = N.K."Dhiraj" |work = [[The Times of India]]|date = 23 March 2009|access-date = 23 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha-2019/story/lok-sabha-2019-why-is-begusarai-called-leningrad-of-bihar-1497718-2019-04-09|title=Lok Sabha 2019: Why is Begusarai called Leningrad of Bihar?|last=Begg|first=Yusuf|website=[[India Today]]|date=9 April 2019|access-date=19 June 2019}}</ref> It is the ''karmabhoomi'' of the independence movement veteran, first chief minister and one of the "architects of modern Bihar" [[Shri Krishna Sinha]].
== Economy ==
== Economy ==
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. The main cash crops of the Begusarai district are oilseeds, aniseed/ tisi, tobacco, jute, potato, red chilies, tomato and rape-seed. In Fruits Farming Begusarai has recently become a major contributor in producing Litchi, Mango, Guava and Banana. Recently Basil Leaves<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livehindustan.com/news/bihar/article1-farming-of-basil-leaves-in-begusarai--543145.html|title=Farming of Basil Leaves In Begusarai|date=5 July 2016|website=Live Hindustan|publisher=LiveHindustan.com|access-date=21 August 2016}}</ref> and Pearl<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.pradesh18.com/news/bihar/pearl-harvesting-made-this-farmer-a-role-model-for-others-in-his-village-691609.html|title=Pearl harvesting made this farmer a role model for others in his village|website=english.pradesh18.com|access-date=21 August 2016|date=26 February 2015}}</ref> farming has attracted local farmers.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. The main cash crops of the Begusarai district are [[rapeseed|oilseeds]], anis seed/ tisi, tobacco, jute, potato, red Chile, tomato and rape-seed. In fruit farming, Begusarai has recently become a major contributor in producing litchi, mango, guava and banana. Recently basil leaves<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livehindustan.com/news/bihar/article1-farming-of-basil-leaves-in-begusarai--543145.html|title=Farming of Basil Leaves In Begusarai|date=5 July 2016|website=Live Hindustan|publisher=LiveHindustan.com|access-date=21 August 2016}}</ref> and pearl<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.pradesh18.com/news/bihar/pearl-harvesting-made-this-farmer-a-role-model-for-others-in-his-village-691609.html|title=Pearl harvesting made this farmer a role model for others in his village|website=english.pradesh18.com|access-date=21 August 2016|date=26 February 2015}}</ref> farming have attracted local farmers.
Even today, only the [[Barauni Refinery|Barauni refinery]] contributes around Rs 500 crore ({{crore|500}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/Making-of-Begusarai-was-by-choice-not-accident/articleshow/34169383.cms|title=Making of Begusarai was by choice, not accident - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=21 August 2016}}</ref> to the state exchequer yearly. Begusarai also has an inactive [[Begusarai Airport|airport in Begusarai]] Ulao.<ref>
{{cite web|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/begusarai/story-government-should-start-air-flight-service-from-ulao-airport-sanju-4540975.amp.html|title=Dum Dum Begushorai,Ulao Airport." Live Hindustan.livehindustan.com |access-date= 8 September 2021}}</ref> Begusarai had the second highest [[per capita income]] in financial year 2019–20 in Bihar, after Patna.
==Culture==
The culture of Begusarai is the cultural heritage of [[Mithila (region)|Mithila]]. Begusarai is also famous for Simaria, a fair of devotional significance every year in the month of [[Kārtika (month)|Kartik]] according to the Indian [[Panchang]], (usually during November).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Revive Kumbh Mela in eight historic cities |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Revive-Kumbh-Mela-in-eight-historic-cities/articleshow/7362232.cms |website=The Times of India|accessdate=8 February 2020}}</ref> Men and women in Begusarai are very religious and dress for the festivals as well. The costumes of Begusarai stem from the rich traditional culture of Mithila. Panjabi [[Kurta]] and [[Dhoti]] with a [[Mithila Painting]] bordered [[gamucha|Maroon coloured Gamchha]] which is the Symbol of Passion, Love, Bravery and Courage are common clothing items for men. Men wear gold ring in their nose which symbolizes prosperity, happiness and wealth inspired by [[Lord Vishnu]]. Also wear Balla on their wrist. In ancient times there was no colour option in Mithila, so the Maithil women wore white or yellow Saree with red Border but now they have a lot of variety and colour options, and wear ''Laal-Paara'' (the traditional red-boarded white or yellow [[sari]])<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite AV media |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqbPoGYxjS0 |title= Maithil women wore Red Boarded Yellow or White Saree during Jhijhiya Naach|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref> on some special occasions, and also wear ''Shakha-Pola''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jhajistore.com/blogs/news/mithilas-bengal-connection-a-conversation-with-shalini-ji|title=Mithila as well as Bengal wearing शाखा पोला" www.jhajistore.com |access-date= 12 August 2019}}</ref> with lahthi in their hand. In [[Mithila culture]], this represents new beginnings, passion and prosperity. Red also represents the Hindu goddess [[Durga]], a symbol of new beginnings and feminine power. During Chhaith, the women of Begusarai wear pure cotton dhoti without stitching which reflects the pure, traditional Culture of Mithila. Usually crafted from pure cotton for daily use and from pure silk for more glamorous occasions, traditional attire for the women of Begusarai includes Jamdani, Banorisi and Bhagalpuri and many more.
Many festivals are celebrated throughout the year in Begusarai. [[Chhath|Chhaith]] and [[Durga Puja]] is celebrated as perhaps the most important of all the celebrations of Begusarai.
Even today, only Barauni refinery contributes around Rs 500 crore<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/Making-of-Begusarai-was-by-choice-not-accident/articleshow/34169383.cms|title=Making of Begusarai was by choice, not accident - Times of India|access-date=21 August 2016}}</ref> to the state exchequer yearly.
===Dance===
[[Dhunuchi|Dhuno-Naach]] is the Cultural Dance of Begusarai, [[Mithila (region)|Mithila]]. [[Dhunuchi|Dhuno-Naach]] is performed in Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar, [[Naugachia]] during Durga Puja and Kalipuja with Shankha-Dhaak Sound and Jhijhiya is performed in [[Darbhanga]], Muzaffarpur, [[Madhubani, Bihar|Madhubani]] and their Neighbour Districts.
==Politics==
===Painting===
Begusarai had traditionally been a [[communist]] stronghold and was once referred to as the "Leningrad of Bihar".<ref>{{cite news |url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-23/patna/28051041_1_ml-central-committee-member-united-left-bloc-poll-campaign |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121023143310/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-23/patna/28051041_1_ml-central-committee-member-united-left-bloc-poll-campaign |url-status = dead |archive-date = 23 October 2012 |title = ULB launches poll campaign |author = N.K."Dhiraj" |work = [[The Times of India]]|date = 23 March 2009|access-date = 23 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha-2019/story/lok-sabha-2019-why-is-begusarai-called-leningrad-of-bihar-1497718-2019-04-09|title=Lok Sabha 2019: Why is Begusarai called Leningrad of Bihar?|last=Begg|first=Yusuf|website=[[India Today]]|date=9 April 2019|access-date=19 June 2019}}</ref>
Mithila Painting as a form of wall art is practiced widely in Begusarai; the more recent development of painting on paper and canvas originated among the villages in Begusarai, Darbhanga, Naugachia, Madhubani and it is these latter developments that may correctly be referred to as ''Begusarai Art, Madhubani art, Darbhanga Art, Naugachia Art.''<ref>Carolyn Brown Heinz, 2006, "Documenting the Image in Mithila Art," Visual Anthropology Review, Vol. 22, Issue 2, pp. 5-33</ref>
==Notable people==
===Main festivals===
Here is a list of the main festivals of Begusarai:
* [[Chhath]]: Prayers during Chhath [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]] are dedicated to the [[solar deity]], [[Surya]], to show gratitude and thankfulness
* [[Sama Chakeva|Saama-Chakeba]]: includes folk theater and song, celebrates the love between brothers and sisters and is based on a legend recounted in the [[Purana]]s.
* [[Chhath|Aghaniya Chhaith]] (Chhotka Pabni): Very popular with the name of "Chhotka-Pabni" and Dopaharka Aragh in [[Mithila (region)|Mithila]].Celebrated in Aghan Shukla-paksha Shasthi tithi.
* [[Chhath|Baisakkha Chhaith]] (Chhotka Pabni): This is celebrated in month of Baishakh Shukla-paksha Shasthi tithi and It is also called Chhotka-Pabni(Dopaharka Aragh) in [[Mithila (region)|Mithila]].
* [[Chaurchan]]: Along with [[Ganesha|Lord Ganesha]], [[Vishnu|Lord Vishnu]], [[Parvati|Goddess Parvati]] and the moon god is worshipped. The story of Chorchan Puja is also heard on this day after that [[Tarpana|arghya]] is offered to the [[moon]] god ([[Chandra|Chandra Deva]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chauth Chand 2022: आज मनाई जाएगी चौठ चन्द्र पूजा, चांद की इस तरह होती है पूजा |url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/religion/ganesh-chaturthi-2022-mithila-chaurchan-parv-puja-vidhi-shubh-muhurat-know-how-to-worship-moon-sry |access-date=30 August 2022 |website=Prabhat Khabar |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 August 2022 |title=Chaurchan Puja 2022 Wishes & Chauth Chandra Puja HD Images: Celebrate This Bihar Festival of the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi Sharing Chaurchan Photos, Messages & Wallpapers {{!}} 🙏🏻 LatestLY |url=https://www.latestly.com/lifestyle/festivals-events/chaurchan-puja-2022-wishes-chauth-chandra-puja-hd-images-celebrate-this-bihar-festival-of-the-moon-on-ganesh-chaturthi-sharing-chaurchan-photos-messages-wallpapers-4143117.html |access-date=30 August 2022 |website=LatestLY |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Jivitputrika|Jitiya]]: celebrated mainly in Indian states of [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/religion/jivitputrika-vrat-2020-jitiya-puja-vidhi-nahay-khay-date-and-timing-shubh-muhurt-jeevaputrika-vow-will-start-from-today-with-hi-khay-know-what-is-important-to-keep-in-mind-during-the-fast-rdy-2|title = Jivitputrika Vrat 2020: जीवित्पुत्रिका व्रती महिलाएं आज खोलेंगी व्रत, जानें पारण करने के लिए हर एक शुभ समय और विधि}}</ref> and Nepal; mothers fast (without water) for wellbeing of their children.<ref name="indastro1">{{cite web|url=http://indianastrology.co.in/4117-jivitputrika-vrat-2016-jitiya-2016-date-hindu-panchang/|title=Jivitputrika Vrat 2016 (Jitiya 2016) Date & Hindu Panchang - Indian Astrology|date=18 July 2016|publisher=|accessdate=4 September 2016}}</ref>
* [[Vivaha Panchami]]: Hindu festival celebrating the wedding of Rama and Sita. It is observed on the fifth day of the Shukla paksha or waxing phase of moon in the Agrahayana month (November – December) as per Maithili calendar and in the month of Margashirsha in the Hindu calendar.
* [[Sita|Sita Navami]]
* [[Ganga Dussehra]]: Ganga Dussehra, also known as '''Gangavataran''', is a [[Hinduism|Hindu]] festival celebrated by Maithils in [[Simaria|Mokshdhaam Simaria Dhaam]] (The Welcome Gate of Mithila). [[Ganges in Hinduism#Legend|''avatarana'' (descent) of the Ganges]]. It is believed by Hindus that the [[holy river]] [[Ganges]] descended from heaven to earth on this day.<ref name=today>{{cite news|last1=Agnihotri|first1=Sanjana|title=All you need to know about Ganga Dussehra|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ganga-dussehra-june-significance-history/1/691870.html|accessdate=4 July 2016|work=India Today|date=14 June 2016}}</ref>
* [[Simaria|Kalpwas]]: Celebrated in Every Kartik Month in Simaria Dhaam, Begushorai.
* [[Kojagiri]] (Lachhmi Puja): harvest festival marking the end of monsoon season
* [[Durga Puja|Paata Puja]] (Durga Maay Aagmon)
* [[Durga Puja|Khutti Puja]] (Ritual of Durga Puja)
* [[Mahalaya|Mohalaya]]: Mohalaya which is celebrated in all over [[Mithila (region)|Mithila]] on Aashin Maash Amavasya tithi, sculptors, who have been working for days carving and chiseling the statue of Durga, carry out their final touch of drawing the eyes of Durga Maay in Begusarai and other Mithila Districts.
*[[Durga Puja]]: a ten-day festival,{{sfn| Doniger|1999|p=306}}{{sfn| Lochtefeld|2002|p=208}} of which the last five are of the most significance.<ref>{{cite news |author=Parmita Borah |date=2 October 2011 |title=Durga Puja - a Celebration of Female Supremacy |url=http://www.efi-news.com/2011/10/durga-puja-celebration-of-female.html |publisher=EF News International |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051716/http://www.efi-news.com/2011/10/durga-puja-celebration-of-female.html |archive-date=25 April 2012 |access-date=26 October 2011}}</ref> is an important festival in the [[Shaktism]] tradition of Hinduism.{{sfn| McDermott|2001|pp=172-174}}{{sfn|Foulston|Abbott|2009|pp=162-169}}{{sfn|Rodrigues|2003|pp=7-8}} It marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting [[asura]], [[Mahishasura]].{{sfn|Daniélou|1991|p=288}}{{sfn|McDaniel|2004|pp=215-219}}{{efn-ua|group=note|In the Shakta tradition of [[Hinduism]], many of the stories about obstacles and battles have been considered as metaphors for the divine and demonic within each human being, with liberation being the state of self-understanding whereby a virtuous nature & society emerging victorious over the vicious.{{sfn| McDaniel|2004|pp=20–21, 217–219}}}} Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.{{sfn|Kinsley|1988|pp=111–112}}{{sfn|Donner|2016|p=25}}
* [[Kali Puja]]: dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, celebrated on the new moon day [[Diwali|Dipannita Amavasya]] of the Hindu month Kartik
* [[Vasant Panchami|Saraswati Puja]]: marks the preparation for the arrival of [[Spring (season)|spring]]. The festival is celebrated by people of [[Indian religions|Dharmic religions]] in the [[South Asia]]n countries in different ways depending on the region. Vasant Panchami also marks the start of preparation for [[Holika Dahan|Holika]] and [[Holi]], which take place forty days later.<ref name="Roy2005p192">Christian Roy (2005). Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. pp. 192–193. {{ISBN|978-1-57607-089-5}}.</ref>
* [[Jur Sital|Aakhar Bochhor(Maithili New year)]]: Maithili New year celebrated on 15 April every year.
* [[Rama Navami]]: celebrates the descent of Vishnu as the Rama avatar, through his birth to King [[Dasharatha]] and Queen [[Kausalya]] in [[Ayodhya]], [[Kosala]].<ref name=dna8apr2014>[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-hindus-around-the-world-celebrate-ram-navami-today-1976344 Hindus around the world celebrate Ram Navami today], DNA, 8 April 2014</ref>
*[[Balmiki Prasad Singh]], writer, former IAS officer, former [[Governor of Sikkim]]
*[[Sriti Jha]], actress
*[[Sriti Jha]], actress
*[[Kranti Prakash Jha]], actor and model
*[[Kranti Prakash Jha]], actor, model
*[[Bhola Singh]], politician
*[[Kanhaiya Kumar]], politician
==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of cities in Bihar]]
* [[Mithila (proposed Indian state)]]
* [[Ark International School, Begusarai]]
* [[Simaria]]
* [[Begusarai (TV series)]]
* [[Begusarai (TV series)]]
==Notes==
{{notelist-ua}}
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
===Works cited===
{{Commons category|Begusarai}}
{{refbegin|2}}
* {{cite book |first=Alain |last=Daniélou |title=The Myths and Gods of India: The Classic Work on Hindu Polytheism from the Princeton Bollingen Series |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1HMXN9h6WX0C |year=1991 |publisher=Inner Traditions / Bear & Co |isbn=978-0-89281-354-4}}
* {{cite book |first=Wendy |last=Doniger |title=Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780877790440 |url-access=registration |year=1999 |publisher=Merriam-Webster |isbn=978-0-87779-044-0}}
* {{cite book |last=Donner |first=Henrike |year=2016 |title=Domestic Goddesses: Maternity, Globalization and Middle-class Identity in Contemporary India |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=RTc3DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA25 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-14848-7}}
* {{cite book |last1=Foulston |first1=Lynn |last2=Abbott |first2=Stuart |year=2009 |title=Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and Practices |url=https://archive.org/details/hindugoddessesbe0000foul |url-access=registration |publisher=Sussex Academic Press |isbn=978-1-902210-43-8}}
* {{cite book |first=David |last=Kinsley |year=1988 |title=Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition |url=https://archive.org/details/hindugoddessesvi0000kins |url-access=registration |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-90883-3}}
* {{cite book |first=James G |last=Lochtefeld |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M |url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch |url-access=registration |year=2002 |publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-8239-3179-8}}
* {{cite book |first=June |last=McDaniel |title=Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls: Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=caeJpIj9SdkC |year=2004 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-534713-5}}
* {{cite book |first=Rachel Fell |last=McDermott |title=Mother of My Heart, Daughter of My Dreams: Kali and Uma in the Devotional Poetry of Bengal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2PrChFaXgf0C |year=2001 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-803071-3}}
* {{cite book |last=Rodrigues |first=Hillary |title=Ritual Worship of the Great Goddess: The Liturgy of the Durga Puja with Interpretations |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=onyaEhwhJBUC |year=2003 |publisher=SUNY Press |isbn=978-0-7914-8844-7}}
{{refend}}
==External links ==
* [http://begusarai.bih.nic.in/ District website of Begusarai]
* [http://begusarai.bih.nic.in/ District website of Begusarai]
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[[Category:Begusarai| ]]
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[[Category:Cities and towns in Begusarai district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Begusarai district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Bihar]]
[[Category:Caravanserais in India]]
Revision as of 05:40, 22 July 2023
This article is about the municipality in India. For its namesake district, see Begusarai district.
Begusarai is the industrial and financial capital of Bihar and the administrative headquarters of the Begusarai district, which is one of the thirty-eight districts of the Indian state of Bihar. The district lies on the northern bank of the river Ganges in the Mithila region of India.
Begusarai was named after "Begu" a man who was the devotee of Bari Durga Maharani was the care taker of "Sarai" an old and small market of the town.[5]
Begusarai lies in the middle of the mid-Ganga plain and generally has low-lying terrain with a south to south-easterly slope.[8] Begusarai is basically divided into three floodplains:
In 1989 Begusarai district became home to the Kanwar jheel, or Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, with an area of 63 km2 (24.3 sq mi).[9]
Demographics
As per the 2011 census, Begusarai Municipal Corporation had a total population of 251,136, of whom 133,931 were male and 117,205 were female with a sex ratio of 875. The population younger than 5 years of age was 37,966. The literacy rate of the 7+ population was 79.35%.[1]
Hinduism is the major religion in Begusarai city, with 224,282 followers (89%). Islam is second, with 26,531 Muslims (10.53%). Other religions include 325 Christians (0.13%), 134 Sikhs (0.05%), 31 Jains (0.01%), 29 Buddhists (0.01%), 14 other religions (0.01%) and 662 (0.26%) non-respondents[10]
Government and politics
Begusarai has traditionally been a communist stronghold and was once referred to as the "Leningrad of Bihar".[11][12] It is the karmabhoomi of the independence movement veteran, first chief minister and one of the "architects of modern Bihar" Shri Krishna Sinha.
Economy
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. The main cash crops of the Begusarai district are oilseeds, anis seed/ tisi, tobacco, jute, potato, red Chile, tomato and rape-seed. In fruit farming, Begusarai has recently become a major contributor in producing litchi, mango, guava and banana. Recently basil leaves[13] and pearl[14] farming have attracted local farmers.
The culture of Begusarai is the cultural heritage of Mithila. Begusarai is also famous for Simaria, a fair of devotional significance every year in the month of Kartik according to the Indian Panchang, (usually during November).[17] Men and women in Begusarai are very religious and dress for the festivals as well. The costumes of Begusarai stem from the rich traditional culture of Mithila. Panjabi Kurta and Dhoti with a Mithila Painting bordered Maroon coloured Gamchha which is the Symbol of Passion, Love, Bravery and Courage are common clothing items for men. Men wear gold ring in their nose which symbolizes prosperity, happiness and wealth inspired by Lord Vishnu. Also wear Balla on their wrist. In ancient times there was no colour option in Mithila, so the Maithil women wore white or yellow Saree with red Border but now they have a lot of variety and colour options, and wear Laal-Paara (the traditional red-boarded white or yellow sari)[18] on some special occasions, and also wear Shakha-Pola[19] with lahthi in their hand. In Mithila culture, this represents new beginnings, passion and prosperity. Red also represents the Hindu goddess Durga, a symbol of new beginnings and feminine power. During Chhaith, the women of Begusarai wear pure cotton dhoti without stitching which reflects the pure, traditional Culture of Mithila. Usually crafted from pure cotton for daily use and from pure silk for more glamorous occasions, traditional attire for the women of Begusarai includes Jamdani, Banorisi and Bhagalpuri and many more.
Many festivals are celebrated throughout the year in Begusarai. Chhaith and Durga Puja is celebrated as perhaps the most important of all the celebrations of Begusarai.
Dance
Dhuno-Naach is the Cultural Dance of Begusarai, Mithila. Dhuno-Naach is performed in Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar, Naugachia during Durga Puja and Kalipuja with Shankha-Dhaak Sound and Jhijhiya is performed in Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani and their Neighbour Districts.
Painting
Mithila Painting as a form of wall art is practiced widely in Begusarai; the more recent development of painting on paper and canvas originated among the villages in Begusarai, Darbhanga, Naugachia, Madhubani and it is these latter developments that may correctly be referred to as Begusarai Art, Madhubani art, Darbhanga Art, Naugachia Art.[20]
Main festivals
Here is a list of the main festivals of Begusarai:
Chhath: Prayers during Chhath puja are dedicated to the solar deity, Surya, to show gratitude and thankfulness
Saama-Chakeba: includes folk theater and song, celebrates the love between brothers and sisters and is based on a legend recounted in the Puranas.
Aghaniya Chhaith (Chhotka Pabni): Very popular with the name of "Chhotka-Pabni" and Dopaharka Aragh in Mithila.Celebrated in Aghan Shukla-paksha Shasthi tithi.
Baisakkha Chhaith (Chhotka Pabni): This is celebrated in month of Baishakh Shukla-paksha Shasthi tithi and It is also called Chhotka-Pabni(Dopaharka Aragh) in Mithila.
Vivaha Panchami: Hindu festival celebrating the wedding of Rama and Sita. It is observed on the fifth day of the Shukla paksha or waxing phase of moon in the Agrahayana month (November – December) as per Maithili calendar and in the month of Margashirsha in the Hindu calendar.
Mohalaya: Mohalaya which is celebrated in all over Mithila on Aashin Maash Amavasya tithi, sculptors, who have been working for days carving and chiseling the statue of Durga, carry out their final touch of drawing the eyes of Durga Maay in Begusarai and other Mithila Districts.
Durga Puja: a ten-day festival,[26][27] of which the last five are of the most significance.[28] is an important festival in the Shaktism tradition of Hinduism.[29][30][31] It marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting asura, Mahishasura.[32][33][upper-alpha 1] Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.[35][36]
Kali Puja: dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, celebrated on the new moon day Dipannita Amavasya of the Hindu month Kartik
Saraswati Puja: marks the preparation for the arrival of spring. The festival is celebrated by people of Dharmic religions in the South Asian countries in different ways depending on the region. Vasant Panchami also marks the start of preparation for Holika and Holi, which take place forty days later.[37]
↑In the Shakta tradition of Hinduism, many of the stories about obstacles and battles have been considered as metaphors for the divine and demonic within each human being, with liberation being the state of self-understanding whereby a virtuous nature & society emerging victorious over the vicious.[34]
India
