Patna: Bihar Diwas celebrations at Gandhi Maidan featured a unique technological experience, allowing visitors to take a virtual tour of the state’s historical and cultural landmarks. The pavilion of the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) was inaugurated by the department’s minister, Maheshwar Hazari, who explored Bihar’s iconic sites through 3D virtual reality.
Experiencing the Glass Bridge and Hiuen Tsang Memorial in Rajgir through VR, Hazari described the immersive technology as “thrilling,” adding, “It feels as if I am actually present at the place.” He highlighted chief minister Nitish Kumar’s contributions to Bihar’s development, which were showcased at various stalls set up across Gandhi Maidan. “This Bihar Diwasis special, as it vividly presents the state’s progress through different public welfare schemes,” he said.
Vaibhav Srivastava, director of IPRD, announced that this year’s Bihar Diwas theme is Unnat Bihar – Vikasit Bihar (Advanced Bihar – Developed Bihar). “We are providing detailed information about government welfare schemes to the public, along with free pamphlets. The Bihar Diary 2025 is also available for sale at the pavilion,” he said.
For the first time, visitors had the opportunity to experience Bihar’s major tourist attractions in 3D, thanks to VR technology installed at the DIPR stall. Virtual tours included Patna’s Bapu Tower, Sabhyata Dwar, Gurudwara Patna Sahib, Rajgir’s Glass Bridge and Ghoda Katora, the newly developed Jarasandh’s Akhara and Park, and the Jal Mandir of Pawapuri.
In addition to interactive displays, the pavilion also featured a cultural evening, showcasing Bihar’s folk traditions and heritage. A dedicated sales centre offered the Bihar Diary and other publications related to the state’s history and governance.
Senior officials, including joint secretary B.B. Choudhary, OSD Kumaril Satyanandan, joint director Ravi Bhushan Sahay, deputy director Sunil Kumar Pathak, assistant director Rajesh Chandra, and other senior officers, were present at the event.
