If you are fond of travelling, then definitely come to Madhubani once. This is a district located in Bihar, where art and culture are embedded in everything. The world-famous Madhubani paintings here will mesmerize you with their beauty. But Madhubani is not known only for paintings.
While roaming in the villages here, you will feel as if time has stopped. Colorful paintings on the walls of people’s homes, potters making earthen pots, and craftsmen making toys from bamboo will take you down memory lane.
Madhubani is no less than a treasure even for history lovers. Here you will find the ruins of grand palaces of kings, which tell stories of history. Kosi Tappu Wildlife Sanctuary nestled in the lap of nature and the calm flowing Kamala River will give you a solace away from the hustle and bustle of cities.
Then what are you waiting for, come to Madhubani and experience this confluence of art, culture, history and nature yourself. The hospitality and love here will make you feel as if you have not come far from home.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Madhubani
Colorful Heritage of Mithila: Introduction to Madhubani
If you are crazy about art and culture, then Madhubani situated in Bihar will definitely touch your heart. This is a district where history is reflected on every wall and art resides in every hand. Come, today let us hold your hand and take you on a walk through the colorful streets of Madhubani, where age-old traditions are still alive.
Madhubani is an important part of the Mithilanchal region. The stories of Mithila are written in the soil here, the battles of Ramayana and Mahabharata are decorated on the walls here. This is the place where folk artists took their art from the closed rooms of palaces to the walls of common people’s homes.
The identity of Madhubani is the world-famous Madhubani painting here. These paintings made with natural colors are not only beautiful to look at, but also tell the folk tales and folk life of Mithilanchal. This art is so special that it has got the status of national heritage.
But Madhubani is not known only for paintings. You will be stunned to see the toys and furniture made of bamboo, pottery and coin works here. Art resides in everything here, as if art resides in the breath here.
Then what are you waiting for, let’s get lost in the colorful world of Madhubani! In this journey, we will introduce you to the art, culture, history and life of the people of Madhubani.
Historical Sites
In the twilight of history: Historical places of Madhubani
The beauty of Madhubani is not limited to colors and art only. Hidden here are those remains of history, which tell us stories of the past. Come, today let us accompany you on a tour of two such historical places of Madhubani:
Rajnagar Palace: The Story of Royal Heritage
Rajnagar Rajmahal is situated in Rajnagar village, about 25 kilometers away from district Madhubani. This palace was once the residence of the kings of Mithilanchal. Although this palace has now turned into ruins, its ruins still testify to that royal grandeur.
According to the stories of the local people, this palace was built by the descendants of King Janak. It is said that Sita Mata spent her childhood here. You can feel the history while walking around the palace. Perhaps you might even find a broken toy or a piece of clay that might show you a glimpse of that royal life.
Uchaitha: The Secret City of Ancient Temples
If you are interested in history and archaeology, then definitely visit Uchaitha, located 30 kilometers away from district Madhubani. It is believed that Uchaitha was once an important trading center of Mithilanchal. Remains of many ancient temples have been found during excavation here, which are excellent examples of Gupta period architecture.
There is also an ancient temple of Lord Shiva here, which is known by the local people as Baba Hariharnath Temple. The magnificent carvings and sculptures of this temple will mesmerize you. The journey to Uchaitha will take you to the era when Mithila region was the center of knowledge and art.
This is just a glimpse of the history of Madhubani. You can come here and see these sites for yourself, touch the history and feel the stories of the past.
Cultural Attractions
Treasure of Folk Culture: Cultural Attractions of Madhubani
The land of Madhubani is not only famous for paintings and historical places, but the folk culture here is also equally rich. Come, today let us take you on a tour of two such cultural attractions of Madhubani, which will introduce you to the folk traditions of Mithilanchal.
Saurath: Theater of Folk Drama
If you are fond of drama and folk art, then you must visit Madhubani. Even today, the traditional folk theater named “Saurath” is very popular in the villages here. In this, the artists enact Ramayana, Mahabharata and folk tales to the beat of drums.
The fun of seeing Saurath is something else. Seeing the artists dressed in colorful costumes, under the open sky, in the moonlight, will take you to a different world. The laughter and applause of the local people in between the play will make you join in the festivities.
Saurath is not just a medium of entertainment, but it also preserves centuries-old traditions. This drama tells us how the village people keep history alive through their art and transmit their culture to the new generation.
Janakpur: City of Sita
A trip to Mithilanchal is incomplete if you do not visit Janakpur. This is the same place where Mother Sita was born and it was here that the marriage of Lord Ram and Sita took place. Janakpur Temple is known for its grand architecture and religious importance.
By coming here you can see the folk traditions of Mithila closely. In the markets around the temple, you will find shops selling traditional Mithilanchal clothes, pottery and handicrafts. You can talk to a local elder to hear stories related to Ramayana.
A trip to Janakpur will take you into the depths of the culture of Mithilanchal. You will feel that the story of Ramayana and Sita-Ram is not only present in the scriptures but also in the hearts of the people here.
Natural Wonders
In the lap of nature: Natural sights of Madhubani
The beauty of Madhubani is not limited to art and history only. There is a lot stored here for nature lovers also. Come, today let us take you on a tour of two such natural views of Madhubani, which will mesmerize you with their calm and charming beauty.
Kamala River: Stream of Life
Kamla River, which irrigates the land of Madhubani, is the lifeline of this place. This holy river not only irrigates the fields, but is also the center of faith of the people. In the morning, with sunrise, the hustle and bustle starts on the river bank. People take bath, perform puja and go to the fields.
You can enjoy the beauty of nature by sitting on the banks of Kamala river. You will find peace of mind while gazing at the calm flowing water. If you are a little adventurous, you can also enjoy boating in the river. The view of the river bank in the evening is worth seeing. The colors of the sky change and the sound of the temple bell coming from a distance makes the atmosphere even more relaxing.
Kamala River is an important part of the lives of Madhubani people. By coming here you will not only enjoy the beauty of nature but will also feel connected with the life of the local people.
Kosi Tappu Wildlife Sanctuary: A Wilderness of Wildlife
If you are fond of seeing wild animals, then definitely visit Kosi Tappu Wildlife Sanctuary, located about 75 kilometers from Madhubani. This sanctuary is surrounded by dense forests and grasslands. Here you can see deer, wild boars, different types of birds and if you are lucky, even dolphins.
The best way to visit Kosi Tappu Wildlife Sanctuary is by jeep safari. Watching the colorful birds sitting on the trees and deer running away will take you to a different world. Here you can feel the true power of nature.
Kosi Tappu Wildlife Sanctuary is not just a place to see animals, but it is also an important effort at environmental conservation. By coming here you will understand the importance of wildlife and also take the message of living in harmony with nature.
Artistic Heritage
Heritage of Colours: Artistic Heritage of Madhubani
The identity of Madhubani is the world-famous Madhubani painting here. But do you know that these paintings are not limited to just exhibitions and shops, rather they are a part of a centuries-old tradition. Come, today let us introduce you to the artistic heritage of Madhubani, where colors are not just colors but tell stories.
Madhubani Painting Villages: A Journey of Colors
If you want to see the real beauty of Madhubani painting, then you will have to visit the villages of Madhubani, where this art has been practiced for generations. There are many such villages in Ratkhia, Mithla Chowk, Ojhagaon and Madhubani, where the walls of artists’ houses are their canvas.
While roaming in these villages, you will feel as if a fair of colors is taking place. The battle of Ramayana will be depicted on the wall of one house, while the childhood exploits of Krishna will be depicted in the other house. Somewhere a grand idol of Maa Durga would be made, and somewhere else beautiful figures of trees, plants and birds would be made. These artists not only make paintings, but also tell their stories, their culture and their dreams in colors.
You can interact with these artists, try to learn their art, or take one of their paintings home. Every painting purchased from here will not just be an artwork, but a piece of Madhubani’s culture.
Mural Art Gallery: Modern Form of Tradition
Taking forward the tradition of Madhubani painting, many artists are now carving their art on canvas also. If you want to see such paintings, you can visit any graffiti art gallery of Madhubani.
In these galleries you will get to see different forms of Madhubani painting, from traditional styles to modern experiments. Some artists even incorporate social issues and environmental protection topics very well in their art.
By coming here you will not only be able to see the best artworks, but will also be able to glimpse the future of Madhubani painting. Who knows, you might come across a painting that captures your heart and makes you want to take it home.
So what are you waiting for, let’s get lost in the colorful world of Madhubani! The art, culture and tradition here will mesmerize you.
Religious Sites
Stream of Faith: Religious places of Madhubani
The land of Madhubani is not only known for art and natural beauty, but centuries old faith also resides here. Come, today let us take you on a tour of two such religious places in Madhubani, where you will experience peace and harmony.
Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple: Center of Devotion
Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple is situated at a place called Jaynagar, about 15 kilometers away from District Madhubani. This temple is considered to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is believed that by visiting this temple all the troubles go away and desired results are achieved.
As soon as you enter the temple, you will experience a different kind of peace. The peak of the temple attracts devotees from far away. The view of Bhasma Aarti here in the morning is worth seeing. On the festival of Shivratri, a fair is organized here, where thousands of devotees come for darshan.
Whether you are religious or not, the grandeur and tranquility of Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple will definitely impress you. By coming here you can calm your mind and strengthen your faith.
Harhi Pokhar: Lake of Faith
Harhi Pokhar, which has historical and religious importance, is situated in Harhar village of Madhubani district. This pond is considered to be centuries old and is the center of faith of the local people. It is believed that bathing in this pond cures skin diseases.
Chhath Ghat gets decorated here every year during Chhath Puja. On the occasion of Chhath festival, the entire pond shines with the light of lamps. Local people perform puja and offer Arghya to the Sun God. The view of Harhi Pokhar during this festival is worth seeing.
Harhi Pokhar is not just a pond, but it is also a symbol of the culture and faith of Madhubani. By coming here you can not only see religious places but can also participate in the joy of folk festivals.