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India! That land of a thousand festivals, a billion people and a multitude of experiences. Incentive Destinations gives you just a glimpse of what is on offer.
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In this issue of Incentive Post we turn towards eastern India. We discover its riches of history, spirituality and even a festival of the Sun God. Of course, since we're talking India, everything is ancient and big in numbers. Come with us and discover the state of Bihar, a state that is off the normal tourist circuit in India. We travel its Buddhist circuit and then discover one of Bihar's numerous festivals.
Bihar

Bihar

Roughly the size of Hungary, Bihar's antiquity is evident from its name, which is derived from the Sanskrit word "vihara" which means "monastery". It is indeed a land of monasteries. Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Muslim and Sikh shrines abound in this ancient land where India's first major empires rose and fell. And, the ruins of the world's earliest university, Nalanda, is confirmation of its hoary past. It is in Bihar that the world's first democracy was in governance in Lichhavi (present Vaishali) about 2600 years back. Come along with us on a trip through history in Bihar. Come along to follow the footsteps of the Buddha. Come along for serenity, bliss and quietude.

Bihar
The Buddhist Trail

The Buddhist Trail

Bihar is home to the legendary spiritual enlightenment site of the Buddha under the holy Bodhi tree in Gaya. The magnificent Mahabodhi temple at the location is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a source of peace. The ancient city of Rajgir was a favourite of the Buddha who not only meditated on a nearby hill but also spent time here after enlightenment. The Lichhavi Stupa at Hajipir, in Vaishali district, houses a relic casket containing the ashes of the Buddha mixed with earth and some other items. The state of Bihar is dotted with stupas, pillars and caves with a Buddhist connection and a must visit for anybody with an interest in Buddhist philosophy and way of life.

The Buddhist Trail
 
Makar Sankranti Festival

Makar Sankranti Festival

14-15 January 2019.
The Makar Sankranti festival is dedicated to the Hindu sun god, Surya and marks the beginning of an auspicious period of six months called Uttarayana. People take a holy dip in rivers as it is believed to result in merit or absolution of past sins. They also pray to the sun as thanks for their successes and prosperity. Food plays an important role in the festivities with special dishes cooked for the day. These include laddu, a traditional sweet sesame-jaggery ball, and dahi-chuda, made of beaten rice served with a serving of curd and red pumpkin. Kite flying is another activity that is indulged in during the festival.
Makar Sankranti Festival
 
For further information please email ravi@incentive-destinations.com with your contact details.
   






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