Patna: Bihar’s tableau has been selected for display at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2025, on the theme “Golden India: Heritage and Development.” The tableau will highlight the state’s rich tradition of knowledge, peace, and cultural heritage, capturing the essence of Bihar’s contribution to India’s historical and spiritual legacy.
The tableau features a divine statue of Lord Buddha, symbolizing peace, located in the Ghoda Katora reservoir in Rajgir. The statue, 70 feet tall and carved from a single stone, was installed in 2018 and is a prominent attraction for tourists. The Bihar government has taken significant steps to develop the Ghoda Katora Lake as an eco-tourism site, combining spiritual and natural heritage in an effort to boost tourism and showcase Bihar’s cultural richness.
The tableau also highlights the historic ruins of Nalanda University, an ancient university that attracted scholars from across Asia, including China, Japan, and Central Asia. The ruins are a testament to Bihar’s deep-rooted tradition of knowledge and education. The government has made efforts to restore and conserve the Nalanda ruins, which have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, ensuring that the ancient legacy is preserved for future generations.
In addition to the Nalanda ruins, the tableau also features the newly constructed Nalanda University in Rajgir, a modern center of knowledge designed in the style of the ancient Nalanda University. The university, inaugurated in June 2024, is a carbon-neutral and Net Zero campus, aiming to re-establish Bihar as a global hub for education. The state has also developed the Rajgir Sports Complex and Bihar Sports University in Nalanda, contributing to both education and sports development.
Through the tableau, the Bihar government aims to highlight its ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage of the state. The state has worked towards integrated development in the Nalanda region, ensuring that heritage sites like the Nalanda ruins are conserved while creating infrastructure that attracts more visitors.
The tableau also emphasizes the success of the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, which was held at the Rajgir Sports Complex. This event received widespread acclaim, showcasing Bihar’s growing role in sports development. With this tableau, the Bihar government seeks to present its vision of combining heritage preservation with modern development, placing the state on the global map once again as a center of knowledge, culture, and tourism.
