Salhesh
Salhesh is the chief deity of the socially marginalized and downtrodden Dusadh dalit community in Bihar. The festival of Salhesh provides identity, social cohesion and self respect to the community. The Salhesh festival is celebrated with recitations, folklore, craftsmanship and performing arts. The performance includes instrumental music, recital of songs in local dialect, dancing, acrobatics and symbolic gestures. The festival culminates with the votive offerings of the terracotta horse-riders to the deity. This cultural heritage is however on in danger of getting lost. Some safeguarding measures have been taken by the state as well by art connoisseurs and the community itself.
Source IGNCA Inventory of ICH, Janapada Sampada Division, IGNCA
Contributed by Aditya, CEE Ahmedabad
Sama Chakeva
During the winter season the birds from the Himalayas migrate towards the plains and it is during this period, the people of Bihar welcome these migratory birds by celebrating 'Sama Chakeva'. It is one of the famous festivals of Mithila region of Bihar. This festival also commemorates the strong relationship between brother and sister.
Sonepur Mela
The Sonepur cattle fair or Sonepur Mela is held on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day) in the month of November in Sonepur, Bihar, on the confluence of river Ganga and Gandak. It is also known as Harihar Kshetra Mela and it attracts visitors from all over Asia.