BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
KOLKATA | 2 NOVEMBER 2026
Bihar Tourism Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta called upon the global Indian diaspora to visit and experience the state’s unparalleled historical and spiritual legacy during the ‘Dilwalon Ki Diwali’ celebrations in London. Attending as the Chief Guest, Minister Gupta addressed a vibrant gathering of non-resident Indians (NRIs) and international guests, positioning Bihar as a premier global destination for heritage, religious, and cultural tourism.
The grand event, organised by the Bihar Foundation UK, was hosted at the Atrium Hotel near Heathrow, London. The celebration transformed the venue into a magnificent confluence of Indian culture, timeless traditions, and festive Diwali enthusiasm. The evening featured a rich tapestry of traditional Indian music, classical and folk dance recycles, and diverse cultural performances that brought the essence of Indian festivities to the heart of the United Kingdom.
While addressing the diaspora, Minister Gupta highlighted Bihar’s foundational role in shaping global spiritual and intellectual history. He reminded the audience that Bihar has historically served as the cradle of human enlightenment, famously known as the land of knowledge where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, the land of Karma for Lord Mahavira, and the epicentre of the world’s oldest knowledge systems and academic traditions.
“Bihar holds a distinct and sacred identity on the global tourism map,” Minister Gupta stated. He emphasized that iconic historical, religious, and spiritual landmarks—including the ancient ruins of Nalanda University, the sacred precincts of Bodh Gaya, the serene hills of Rajgir, the historic plains of Vaishali, the revered Takht Sri Patna Sahib, and the cultural landscape of Sitamarhi—offer an unmatched journey through time for global travelers.
The Tourism Minister extended an open and heartfelt invitation to the overseas Indian community to plan visits to Bihar alongside their families, friends, and foreign colleagues. He noted that experiencing Bihar firsthand allows visitors to connect deeply with India’s glorious roots, vibrant traditions, and rapidly evolving tourist landscapes.
Furthermore, Minister Gupta underscored the Bihar government’s proactive stance on upgrading the state’s hospitality and travel sectors. The administration is continuously investing in robust infrastructure development, modernizing tourist facilities, ensuring seamless connectivity, and aggressively strengthening the international branding of Bihar’s marquee destinations to match global standards.
Lauding the emotional and cultural resilience of the diaspora, the Minister expressed immense appreciation for their unwavering commitment to preserving their heritage while living abroad. He noted that high-profile events like ‘Dilwalon Ki Diwali’ act as vital cultural bridges, significantly strengthening the bilateral and socio-cultural ties between India and the United Kingdom.
Concluding his address, Minister Gupta praised the Bihar Foundation UK for its exemplary efforts in uniting the community. He urged the diaspora to act as cultural ambassadors and actively participate in the ongoing tourism development, promotion, and preservation of Bihar’s majestic cultural heritage on the world stage.
The event successfully advanced Bihar tourism globally and bolstered the worldwide recognition of Indian heritage.
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