Prohibition main theme of Bihar Diwas

Patna, March 22 (IANS) The three-day Bihar Diwas inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday has prohibition as its main theme this year.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by hundreds of people at the historic Gandhi Maidan here.

The Bihar Diwas is celebrated to commemorate the state's separation from Bengal on March 22, 1912.

This year's main theme of celebrations is 'prohibition' in the state that has brought social change and the move was lauded widely.

The Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance government enforced total prohibition on April 5 last year in the state.

"Millions of people across Bihar and elsewhere are in a festive mood to celebrate the Bihar Diwas, which marks a new beginning for all of us," Nitish said in his inaugural speech.

"Bihar has changed and it is changing fast with development taking place with a high growth rate. The state is developing at a high growth rate and attracting worldwide attention," he added.

Nitish said being a Bihari was a matter of pride. "It is now an identity that can be asserted by people," he said.

A brainchild of Nitish Kumar, Bihar Diwas was first celebrated in 2010.

The state government has declared a public holiday to mark the day.

According to government officials, cultural and sports programmes would be held at Gandhi Maidan, Shri Krishna Memorial Hall and Rabindra Bhawan in the state capital.

Popular singers like Sunidhi Chauhan will perform on Wednesday.