Patana Important information

Patana

The imperial city of Patna sprawling on the banks of the sacred river Ganga is among the world's oldest capital cities, with a continuous history of over two millennia. It remained the seat of power for many dynasties and was known by different names like, Kusumpura, Pushpapura, Pataliputra and Azeemabad. Ajatshatru, the Magadha king first built a small fort in Pataligram, on the banks of the Ganga in 6th century BC. Pataliputra, one of the greatest cities of Asia dominated the political fortunes of the whole of north India between 6th century B.C. and 5th century A.D. The city regained its lost glory in 16th century, under the Afghan king Sher Shah Suri, who is said to have established the present day Patna. With the decline of the Mughal power, the region fell into the hands of British, who made Patna a regional capital and built a modern extension to this ancient city known as Bankipore. Today, Patna is a fine blend of ancient traditions and modernity and is an important business centre in eastern India. It is also the gateway to the Buddhist and Jain pilgrim centres of Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Vaishali, Rajgir and Pawapuri.

Tourist Acctration in Patana 

• Golghar
• Martyr's Memorial
• Har Mandir Takht
• patna Museum
• Pathar ki Masgid
• Khuda Baksh  Oriental  Library
• Jalan Museum, Qila House
• Sher Shah Suri Masjid
• Sadaqat Ashram
• Agam Kuan or the Unfathomable well
• Gandhi Setu
• Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park
• Modern Planetarium
• Kumhrar
• FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Golghar : This huge beehive shaped granary is the 'icon' of Patna and was built in 1 786, by captain John Garstin for the British army after the famine of 1770. The massive structure is 125 metres wide at the base and gradually tapers up to a height of 29 metres. Its walls are 3.6 m wide at the base and has two external stairways that spiral upwards around the monument. The top of the dome affords a fine view of the city and the river Ganga flowing nearby.

Martyr's Memorial: It commemorates the seven freedom fighters, who sacrificed their lives during the Quit India Movement of August 1 942.

Har Mandir Takht : The sacred Sikh shrine (gurudwara) is regarded as one of the five 'Akal Takhts' of Sikhism. Guru Gobind Smgh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, was born here in 1 660. The original structure was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab.

patna Museum: It exhibits splendid metal and stone sculptures dating back to the Maurya  and Gupta  periods   as  well  as archaeological   finds   recovered   from Nalanda.

Pathar ki Masgid: The beautiful mosque near Har Mandir Takht was built by Parwez Shah,the son of Mughal emperor Jehangir.

Khuda Baksh  Oriental  Library:  This  magnificent was established in 1900 and is one of the national libraries in ‘Inda' II has an excellent one man collection of paintings, 25mm wide Koran and books from the Moorish University of Cordoba Spain.

Jalan Museum, Qila House: It was built on the foundations of Sher Shah Suri's fort and houses an impressive private collection of antiques.

Sher Shah Suri Masjid: It was built in 1545, by Sher Shah Suri in the Afghan architectural style.

Sadaqat Ashram: It is the headquarters of Bihar Vidyapeeth, a national university. Dr.Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, resided here after his retirement. A small museum here exhibits some of his personal belongings.

Agam Kuan or the Unfathomable well : This important archaeological relic is believed to be associated with Mauryan emperor Ashoka, the great.

Gandhi Setu: The 7.5 kms. long bridge over river Ganga, is one of the longest roadway bridges in the world.

Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park : It was established in 1969 and is now one of the 16 largest zoos in the country, housing more than 70 species of animals.

Modern Planetarium: This excellent planetarium at Indira Gandhi Science Complex is one of the most important attractions of Patna.

Kumhrar (5 kms.): The archaeological site has relics of Patliputra, the glorious capital of Ajatasatru, Chandragupta and Ashoka. Excavations have revealed the rich historical legacy of Patna, dating between 600 BC to 600 AD. Other worth visiting sites are – Bihar Institute of Handicrafts & Designs, Birla Mandir, Mahaveer Mandir, Nawab Shahid ka Maqbara, Pachim Darwaza etc.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Chhath Festival (Oct. / Nov.)

It is one of the most important festivals of Bihar and a good harvest of paddy is celebrated during this time. Offerings are made to Sun God and a day long fast is observed as thanksgiving to the Lord of Crop and the creator of the seasons. Devotees walk barefoot in the penance to the venue of the colourful celebrations. Illuminated earthen lamps floating down the river at evening time is a visual spectacle.

Sonepur Mela (Oct. / Nov.)

The cattle fair held at Sonepur, about 22 kms. from Patna during the Kartik Purnima (Oct./Nov.), is one of the largest in Asia. The fair lasts for a fortnight and all kinds of domestic and farm animals are bought and sold during this time. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation provides accommodation facilities in traditional huts for the visitors.