The cultural richness of Bihar finds expression in a collection of 65 mementos featured in the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026, bringing together the State’s diverse traditions of folk art, handcraft, spirituality, history and heritage. The collection ranges from intricate Madhubani paintings and Sikki craft to representations of revered temples, historical personalities and national symbols.

Rather than representing a single tradition, the collection offers glimpses into the many cultural identities associated with Bihar.

Madhubani and Mithila traditions

A significant part of the collection is devoted to the celebrated Mithila/Madhubani painting tradition. The mementos include depictions of Ram Sita Vivah, Ram Darbar, Chhath Puja, Das Mahavidya and sacred Yantras, along with a Kachni-style Madhubani artwork depicting the Ramayana.

The collection also features several Mithila Paags, hand-painted with traditional motifs such as fish and lotus flowers. The Paag, a distinctive headgear of the Mithila region, is represented through multiple designs and forms.

Craft traditions rooted in the region

Bihar’s craft heritage is also represented through Sikki grass art, including a detailed model of the New Parliament House of India and a traditional woven Sikki basket with integrated coasters. A hand-painted Madhubani artwork on a bamboo winnowing basket combines folk painting with traditional utility craft.

Another distinctive piece is a Manjusha (Angika) painting from Bhagalpur, depicting Bharat Mata against the map of India. Executed in the traditional three-colour palette of yellow, green and red, the work reflects the storytelling tradition of Manjusha art.

History and spiritual heritage

The collection also traverses Bihar’s historical and spiritual landscape. A copper-plate memento depicting Mangal Pandey commemorates the freedom fighter associated with the First War of Independence of 1857. Other artefacts include representations of Ashoka Stambh, Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib, Lord Buddha, Mahavir Swami and various temples and pilgrimage sites across the State.

Among the religious landmarks featured are Chandika Sthan and Badi Durga Maharani of Munger, Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, Maa Aranya Devi Temple in Bhojpur, Baba Garibnath Temple in Muzaffarpur, Gorakhnath Dham and Mundeshwari Devi Temple in Kaimur.

The collection further includes mementos associated with  Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur, Acharya Chanakya and Guru Valmiki, alongside representations of the Ramayana and other cultural traditions.

With base prices ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹1,20,000, the Bihar collection offers collectors an opportunity to engage with the State’s living traditions of art, craft, faith and history through mementos presented to the Prime Minister.

The 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction is live online till October 2, 2026. For auction dates, participation details and the complete catalogue, refer to the official PM Mementos e-Auction portal at:  https://pmmementos.gov.in/#/

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M Annadurai

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