Bihula-Bishari Puja: The Serpent Festival of Anga

Bihula-Bishari Puja is a prominent festival celebrated in the Anga region of Bihar, particularly in and around Bhagalpur. It is dedicated to Goddess Mansa, the serpent deity, and revolves around the folk epic of Bihula, a devoted wife who saved her husband from a snakebite. The language of this region is Angika. The festival shares a thematic connection with Nag Panchami.,The festival is held during the monsoon season, a time when snakes are most active. Devotees worship the goddess to seek protection from snakebites and for the overall well-being of their families. The rituals involve offerings of milk and live performances depicting the story of Bihula.,This festival is also intrinsically linked to the Manjusha Art art form. Elaborate paintings depicting the story of Bihula and the serpent gods are created on pots and boxes, which are used during the worship. The festival is a vibrant celebration of faith, folklore, and traditional art.

Keywords: bihula bishari, manjusha art, bhagalpur, serpent worship, anga region, bihar festivals