Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the Bihar Museum Foundation Day 2026 celebrations by lighting the ceremonial lamp in Patna on August 7, 2026. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By A Correspondent
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister (CM) Samrat Choudhary on Friday formally inaugurated the Bihar Museum Foundation Day 2026 celebrations by lighting the ceremonial lamp. On the occasion, he released two books published by the Bihar Museum, remotely inaugurated a timeless Mithila art exhibition at the Patna Museum, and opened a temporary exhibition showcasing masterpieces by renowned Indian artists alongside traditional folk art at the Bihar Museum’s multi-purpose auditorium.
The Chief Minister was welcomed by Bihar Museum Director General Anjani Kumar Singh, who presented him with a bouquet and a ceremonial shawl. Director General of the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, Dr Sanjeev Kishore Gautam, felicitated the Chief Minister by presenting him with a copy of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
Addressing the gathering, Samrat Choudhary welcomed Padma Shri award-winning artists and distinguished art practitioners from across the country to Bihar. He said Bihar had given India a golden era, making every resident proud of its legacy. He described the state’s rich cultural heritage, art, history and tradition of knowledge as a source of inspiration for the world.
The Chief Minister said the Bihar Museum became a reality due to the efforts of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also visited the museum and praised its world-class architecture and outstanding collection of exhibits. He added that the Buddha Smriti Park in Patna has earned a unique identity for its historical and cultural significance.
Highlighting Bihar’s cultural richness, Choudhary said the state is home to remarkable linguistic and cultural diversity, with languages such as Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi, Vajjika and Angika forming an integral part of its heritage. He said the legacy of Mata Sita, Baba Hariharnath and the Mauryan civilisation remains an invaluable treasure for Bihar.
Referring to the ancient Nalanda University, he said it symbolised India’s glorious tradition of learning before being destroyed by invaders. Its revival under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, he said, represents the renaissance of India’s educational and cultural heritage.
Calling upon young people to embrace India’s folk arts, cultural heritage and traditional values, Choudhary suggested that the 2027 Bihar Museum Foundation Day should also feature international folk art exhibitions to provide Bihar’s culture, civilisation and folk traditions with greater global recognition.
Art and Culture Minister Dr Pramod Kumar, Bihar Museum Director General Anjani Kumar Singh and Art and Culture Department Secretary Pranav Kumar also addressed the gathering.
Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Public Health Engineering Minister Sanjay Kumar Singh, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister Lakhendra Kumar Raushan, Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit, Chief Minister’s Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh, Information and Public Relations Department Secretary Naveen Kumar, Director Anil Kumar, Patna District Magistrate Kundan Kumar, senior government officials, artists from different parts of the country and art enthusiasts.
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