Patna: In a special event held in Patna, the Bihar Tourism Department awarded 35 individuals who took part in two creative competitions aimed at promoting tourism. The competitions — Mera Block, Mera Gaurav and Bihar in the Eyes of the Influencer — encouraged participants to discover and share stories about places in Bihar that are often overlooked but have historical, cultural, or religious importance.
Tourism Minister Raju Kumar Singh gave away the prizes during a ceremony at Sikh Heritage Bhawan on Daroga Rai Path. He congratulated all the winners and praised their efforts in bringing attention to the rich and diverse heritage of Bihar. The minister said that these competitions are an important step in connecting people with their local history and promoting rural and lesser-known areas as tourist destinations.
In the Mera Block, Mera Gaurav competition, the first prize winner received ₹50,000 and a certificate. The second prize winner received ₹45,000 and the third prize winner got ₹35,000, both along with certificates. In addition, ten participants were selected for the Prashasti Award, each receiving ₹20,000 for their outstanding contributions.
Meanwhile, in the Bihar in the Eyes of the Influencer contest, one special prize of ₹50,000 was awarded to a content creator whose work stood out. Eighteen other influencers were also given the Prashasti Award for their creative efforts in showcasing Bihar’s beauty through videos, photographs, and social media posts.
Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh welcomed the Minister and addressed the audience. He explained that the competitions were started last year to uncover hidden gems in Bihar — places that may not be well-known but are worth visiting. He added that the Tourism Department will continue supporting such initiatives to promote local tourism and give a platform to young creators and local voices.
This award ceremony not only celebrated the winners but also highlighted the growing interest in Bihar’s unexplored tourism potential. Through such initiatives, the government hopes to attract more visitors to these unique and meaningful locations across the state
