Introduction :
Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadhan empire in Bihar is held sacred by both Buddhists and Jains for its association with the Buddha and Mahavir. Department of Tourism, Bihar holds a colourful festival of dance and music, Rajgir Mahotsav or Dance Festival every year in Rajgir. Be it instrumental music, devotional songs, opera, folk dance, ballet or the many schools of classical dance and music, geniuses in their own realms of accomplishments, create an almost ethereal atmosphere. This festival held during last week of October attracts tourists in large numbers.The colourful festival of dance and music, Rajgir Dance Festival is held at Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha kings. Department of Tourism, Bihar organises every year, this vibrant festival of classical and folk dances at Rajgir - the land where the Buddha meditated and preached, from October 4 to October 26.
Holding a sterling position in the Indian Cultural Calendar, Rajgir Mahotsav is the ultimate destination for the connoisseurs of Indian cultural form of expression of the self. Be it instrumental music, devotional songs, opera, folk dance, ballet or the many schools of classical dance and music, geniuses in their own realms of accomplishments, create an almost ethereal atmosphere to electrify true devotees.
In the past, some of the great artists who have performed at the festival are Sonal Man Singh, Hema Malini, Sanyukta Panigrahi, Nalini-Kamalini, Swapna Sundari, Shovna Narayan, Madhukar Anand, Madhumita Roy, Amita Dutta, Mukund Nayak, Madhavi Mudgal, Leela Samson and Anand Shankar. The sanctity of Rajgir is aptly acclaimed by the performance of such respected artistes, who, in their humility, feel blessed by this land of the holy.
History
Rajgir (meaning house of the king) was earlier the capital of Magadh, until 5th centaury BC. After the formation of Patliputra the capital was shifted from Rajgrih (then) to Patliputra.
Historically, the king of this place Jarasandha, was defeated by Lord Krishna 17 times. When it came to the 18th time, Krishna had left the place without a war. Also according to Mahabharata one of the Pandavas Bhima had split Jarasandha into two halves and threw both in opposite directions. Jarasandha was invincible as his body could rejoin any dismembered limbs. There is a famous Jarasandha's Akhara(place where you practice martial arts).
The place has a feel and aura of Buddhism as it is closely associated with Lord Buddha.
Buddha had not only spent many years here, but also delivered sermons and proselytized emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hill.It is believed that the Jivekarmavan monastery was one of favourite places to reside for Buddha. Many teachings of Lord Buddha was penned down here in Rajgir and the place is proudly the host of First ever Buddhist council.
The place also traces its history to the captivity of Bimbisara. It is believed that Ajatashatru had captivated his father Bimbisara here ages ago. Although it is not properly sourced that who out of Bimbisara or ajatshatru was responsible for the establishment of the town, but it was Ajatshatru who was responsible for moving the capital to Patliputra.
Based on some ancient Buddhist and Jain scriptures the place has been divided into new and old Rajgir.
Rajgir
Rajgir or Rajgrih literally means the home of Royalty. It is located 15 Kms from Nalanda.Before Patliputra was formed it was the capital of Magadh and was known as Rajgrih. It is a small and beautiful town, which actually is a valley. The town is all surrounded by ecstatic hills and mountains. There is enough natural beauty to captivate any visitor to the place.
The place has a feel and aura of Buddhism as it is closely associated with Lord Buddha.
Buddha had not only spent many years here, but also delivered sermons and proselytized emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hill.It is believed that the Jivekarmavan monastery was one of favourite places to reside for Buddha. Many teachings of Lord Buddha was penned down here in Rajgir and the place is proudly the host of First ever Buddhist council.
Major Attractions:
Today, the town of Rajgir is one of the favorite pilgrimage gestination for many Hindus, Jains and Buddhists as there are numerous exquisite temples of jains, Buddhists and Hindua built here.
Not only from the religious point of view, but the town is also a very renowned holiday destination due to the scenery and weather charm of the place.
Rajgir is famous for its warm water ponds. These water ponds are supposed to contain some medicinal properties that cure many skin diseases.
The added attraction of Rajgir is the Ropeway which takes you uphill to the Shanti Stupa and Monasteries built by the Japanese Devotees on top of the Ratnagiri hills.
How to Reach
Rajgir is one of the most important tourist destinations in India. It is located in the state of Bihar and being a valley, there is tremendous scenaric attraction for the visitors.
One of the major attractions for tourists visiting India is the annual dance mahotsav held at Rajgir. It is a well accessible town and the weather in which the event is held is simply the best.
By Air:
In order to reach Rajgir Dance Festival by air, you can board flights from the major airports of the country to Patna. From Patna Airport, you can hire taxis to arrive at the venue, which is at a distance of just 105 kms.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Rajgir is at Gaya. The station is well-connected to the other cities of Bihar and other cities of the country. You can take buses or hire taxis to reach the venue that lies at a distance of 95 kms.
By Road:
Rajgir is well-connected to Gaya and Nalanda. One can take regular buses or hire cabs to reach the venue.
