Patna: Voting is underway in Bihar to choose the People’s Choice Award winner among 13 lesser-known tourist destinations shortlisted under the Tourism Department’s ‘Mera Block Mera Gaurav’ competition. Residents can cast their vote until August 8, after which the final results will be declared.
The contest aims to identify and promote historical, religious, or cultural sites in different blocks that remain largely unexplored. First, second and third prizes will carry awards of Rs 50,000, Rs 45,000 and Rs 35,000 respectively, along with certificates. Ten participants will also receive Rs 20,000 each as a consolation prize.
The competition, held online between October 2 and November 1 last year, received entries about undiscovered local sites across Bihar. District-level juries comprising additional collector-level officers, tourism officials, district public relations officers and block development officers evaluated submissions before sending them to the state jury for final selection.
Shortlisted tourist sites include 52 Cells 53 Gates in Khagaria, ruins of Balirajgarh Fort in Madhubani, Gandhi Museum in Bettiah, Kajrali Dam in Jamui, Ghenjangarh in Jehanabad, Tariyani Chhapra Village in Shivhar, Phanishwar Nath Renu Residence in Araria, Matokhar Sharif Dargah in Sheikhpura, Vidyapati Dham in Samastipur, Ram Janaki Granth Mandir in Sitamarhi, Sarvodaya Ashram in Sekhodevra, Salona in Begusarai, and Sonbarsa Rajkila in Saharsa.
Officials hope the initiative will raise awareness about local heritage and integrate these sites into the tourism map of Bihar, boosting regional tourism and livelihoods.
Voting is open at https://tourism.bihar.gov.in/en/contest/mera-prakhand-mera-gaurav.
