Bihar celebrates many religious festivals and fairs of great local appeal. 

Sonepur fair: It is a fantastic cattle fair, perhaps the largest in Asia. The fortnight long fair is held on the full moon day of Kartik (November) and all manners of domestic and farm animals are bought and sold.

Buddha Jayanthi: Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and passed away, all on the same full moon day of April/May. Thus, Vaisakhi Poornima, one of the most beautiful full moon nights in the year, is celebrated as Buddha Jayanthi.

Mahavir Jayanthi: Bihar being a holy land for the Jains as well, two major Jain festivals are celebrated here - Mahavir Jayanthi at Parasnath Hill in April and Deo Deewali, which commemorates the final liberation of Lord Mahavira.

Chhath Puja: Unique in Bihar is Chhath Puja, or worship of the Sun God. The most famous celebrations are at the sun temple in Baragaon near Nalandha, where new paddy, sweets and fruits are offered in worship.

Traditional Indian festivals of  Ramnavami, Dassehra, Diwali and Holi are also celebrated with great extravaganza in Bihar.