Begusarai – famous as the ‘Industrial Capital of Bihar’
Begusarai, one of the thirty-seven districts of Bihar, is exquisitely located on the Northern banks of the River Ganga. The name of the city is believed to be a synthesis of the two words ‘Begum’ and ‘Sarai’ meaning Queen and Inn respectively. Home to several well-known industries, it is nicknamed as the “Industrial Capital of Bihar”.
Begusarai has promising tourist destinations that can be a delight to visit. Kabar Jheel is Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake and situated near it is the Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary which serves as a shelter for thousands of migratory birds which come from Central Asia, specifically from Siberia and the Himalayan region. This Sanctuary is the perfect destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. Naulaga and Jaimangalagarh have the history of being important centers of art, culture and administration during the Pala period and hold evidences for the same. Jai Mangla Temple and Nawlakha Temple are the two ancient temples located in Begusarai which are visited by thousands of devotees every year. Begusarai is known to be the birth place of the illustrious Hindi poet, Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh. Simaria gram, where the veteran was born, is famous as a sacred place as it is situated on the bank of the holy River Ganga. A mela which is famously called Simaria Mela of Begusarai is also held there during the month of Kartik annually.
Being a part of Bihar, Begusarai serves all the typical recipes of the Bihari cuisine. The love of spice is quite evident in the dishes prepared in the district. Prepare your taste buds to explode when you go out to taste the famous Litti along with chura-dahi, sattu, chokha, satuwa paratha, daal puri, makuni, ghugni, pittha, dhuska, kadhi bari, khichdi,kofta, veg-korma and raita. For the non-vegetarian lovers, the ‘Bihari kebabs’ are a mouth-watering and must try delicacy. The Biharis have a unique taste for sweets and have owned equally unique sweet recipes such as kheer, malpua, tilkut, rabdi, thekua, balushahi, khaki, path, pirikiya, khurchan, parwal ki mithai and posta dana ka halwa. ‘Pantua’ a sweet similar to Gulab Jamun is the most famous sweet of the area. Begusarai is hands down the best haven for people with a sweet tooth.
