The historic district of Madhubani in Bihar kicked off its 53rd foundation day celebrations with great fervor and traditional pomp on Monday. The two-day event commenced with a symbolic morning procession and heartfelt tributes to the nation's iconic figures, setting a tone of unity and pride for the festivities.
Procession Pays Homage to Icons
The celebrations began with a vibrant prabhat pheri (morning procession), led by Deputy Development Commissioner Suman Prasad and Sadar SDO Chandan Kumar Jha. The procession originated from the Watson School ground and wound its way through several key points in the city before concluding at Nagar Bhawan.
Along the route, participants paid floral tributes at three significant locations: to Mahatma Gandhi at Station Chowk, to the revered poet Vidyapati at Thana Chowk, and to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar near the Town Hall. The air was filled with the energetic beats of 'dhol-nagada' and resonant slogans championing "Swachh Madhubani, Swasth Madhubani, Sundar Madhubani" (Clean, Healthy, Beautiful Madhubani). Enthusiastic schoolchildren joined the march, while residents cheered from their rooftops, adding to the communal spirit.
Inauguration and Showcase of Development
The main event at the Watson School ground was formally inaugurated by Darbhanga Divisional Commissioner Kaushal Kishore. He was accompanied by SP Yogendra Kumar and other senior district officials. The commissioner inaugurated the festivities by performing the ceremonial cake-cutting, releasing balloons, and cutting a ribbon.
A major highlight of the foundation day was an exhibition featuring 28 stalls set up by 21 different government departments. These stalls effectively displayed various public welfare schemes and ongoing development initiatives, allowing citizens to directly engage with the work of the administration. Commissioner Kishore took time to inspect these stalls and praised the departments for their achievements.
Cultural Extravaganza and Artistic Tribute
The event was not just about official ceremonies; it was a vibrant cultural showcase. Schoolchildren delivered captivating performances that held the audience spellbound. Adding a unique artistic dimension, renowned sand artist Madhurendra created a special artwork on the theme of "Swachh Madhubani, Swasth Madhubani," which drew widespread admiration and praise from the attendees.
In his address, Commissioner Kaushal Kishore extended his greetings to the people of Madhubani. He reflected on the district's illustrious legacy, stating, "Madhubani is progressing steadily. Known for its rich heritage in art, culture, music, and the world-famous Madhubani painting, the district enjoys national and international acclaim. Development is visible across all sectors." His words underscored the dual focus of the celebrations: honoring a glorious past while marching confidently towards a developed future.
