Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary on Friday asked officials to organise an exhibition of international folk art during the Bihar Museum Foundation Day celebrations in 2027, saying the initiative would help give Bihar’s culture, civilisation and folk traditions greater recognition on the global stage.Inaugurating the Bihar Museum Foundation Day-2026 programme, Samrat urged the youth to embrace folk art, cultural heritage and Indian traditions as an integral part of their lives. He described Bihar as a unique centre of linguistic and cultural diversity, highlighting Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi, Vajjika and Angika as languages that reflect the state’s rich heritage.The CM said Bihar’s legacy encompasses Mata Sita, Baba Hariharnath and the cultural heritage of the Mauryan era. Referring to the ancient Nalanda University, he said it symbolised India’s glorious tradition of learning before being destroyed by invaders. He added that the revival of Nalanda University under PM Narendra Modi and former CM Nitish Kumar represented the restoration of India’s cultural and educational heritage.Samrat welcomed Padma Shri awardees and renowned artists from across the country who attended the function. He said Bihar Museum was established through the efforts of Nitish Kumar and noted that PM Modi had appreciated its world-class infrastructure and exhibits during his visit. He added that Buddha Smriti Park in Patna had also carved out a distinct identity.During the programme, the CM released two books published by Bihar Museum. Through virtual mode, he inaugurated a permanent exhibition of Mithila paintings at Patna Museum and also opened a temporary exhibition on India’s timeless artists and folk art at the Bihar Museum’s multipurpose auditorium.Art and culture minister Pramod Kumar, Bihar Museum director general Anjani Kumar Singh and art and culture department secretary Pranav Kumar also addressed the gathering. Officials, artists and visitors attended the event.
