MADHUBANI (BIHAR)

Overview

India is known for its art and culture. Tourists from entire world visit India to admire this Art & Culture. Madhubani is no different. It is a place famous for its art form called Madhubani. Madhubani is a heaven and Mecca for those who love and admire art. When you visit this place, you will experience the impact of this nature based art all around this place whether it’s a street, market or a house. You can feel the Indian culture as soon as you walk in this place. It will not take time for you to fell in love with this place you will not want to leave it.Madhubani is a town in Madhubani district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is situated 26km northeast of Darbhanga town and was part of the erstwhile 'Bettiah Raj'. Internal disputes and family quarrels divided the Bettiah Raj in course of time and as a result of which Madhuban Raj inMadhubani was created. The word "Madhuban" means "Forest of honey" from which Madhubani is derived, but some time it is also known as "madhu"+"vaanri" means "sweet" "voice/language", as the language of this area is peep to listen, so the name "Madhubani" came into picture. Madhubani is the cultural heart of Mithilanchal, being the birthplace of many literary people and home to Madhubani Paintings.
Madhubani is famous for its art and craft all over the world. Madhubani Paintings have a distinct identity because of their unique design and top quality texture. Seen as motifs on bags and dress apparels, Madhubani Paintings are done with utmost care and attention by using vegetable dyes. The people who do these paintings are maestros.
The popularity and the global recognition of this art work are evident from the fact that the home of these maestros has been visited by foreign tourist from 66 countries. Some good number of these foreign tourists has stayed with these maestros in their homes, to learn about this art work. You can do it too.
The paintings are done using handmade paper and mud wall. The colors are natural which are extracted from plants. Madhubani Paintings are mainly focused on nature related themes like sun, moon, tulsi, fish, animals, leaves, flowers, and god and goddess figures. The colors mostly used are all bright colors like red, blue, green, yellow and orange. The outlines are drawn with two lines and the gap between the lines is filled with tiny lines or x mark.
Madhubani painting has been done traditionally by the women of villages around the present town of Madhubani (the literal meaning of which is forests of honey) and other areas of Mithila. The painting was traditionally done on freshly plastered mud wall of huts, but now it is also done on cloth, hand-made paper and canvas.
Paddy is the main crop of this district. Pisciculture is known to be one of the main sources of revenue in the district. Sugar factories present here also helps in income generation for the people living here.

See & Do

Madhubani is a place which is quite famous for its art and culture. You can visit local markets to buy Madhubani paintings. Temples of Goddess Kali and God Kapil are worth seeing. You can also enjoy water sports such as swimming & boating in the rivers that flow through this village.

History and Culture

There are two famous places where you can visit in Madhubani. These are:-
o You can visit temples of Goddess Kali in Madhubani.
o God Kapil’s Temple at Madhubani is another religious temple and is quite famous.
Adventure, Nature & Outdoor Sports
o With many rivers flowing through the town, water related activities and boating can be done for relaxation and enjoyment.
Shopping & Other Things to do
o You can go to local bazaars and shop for Madhubani paintings by local artists. These paintings are famous all over the world. From here you will get cheap and authentic paintings.

Tours Nearby

1. Saurath: It is a village situated on road side of Madhubani-Jaynagar road. It has a famous temple known as Somnath Mahadev. It owes its importance to the annual Sabha held by Maithili Brahmins for negotiating marriages. Many Panjikars who keep the genealogical records of the different families reside here and outside.

2. Kapileswarsthan: It is a village situated nine kilometers from Madhubani District Head Quarter. The village is noted for its Shiva Temple, also known as Kapileswarsthan. Numerous devotees congregate at the temple every Monday and particularly in the month of Shravan. A large fair is also held on the occasion of Maha Shiva Ratri. You will also find some small stalls near this temple serving local food. It is very cheap and tasty too.

3. Uchaitha:

The village in Benipatti block consists of temple of Bhagwati on the western bank of river Thumne. It is said that the renowned Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidas was blessed by Bhagwati at this place.

4. Bhawanipur:

It is a large village situated 5kms from the block headquarter of Pandaul; the village is noted for its temple of Ugaranath and traditional association with famous poet, Vidyapati. As the legend says, Vidyapati was such a great devotee of Lord Shiva that the latter began to serve Vidyapati as his servant named Ugana.

5. Darbhanga:You can also visit Darbhanga town situated 26km from Madhubani. There you will Palaces built by Maharajah of Darbhanga.

6.Temples:There are plenty of temples dedicated to mother goddess (primarily Kali and Durga) built by erstwhile kings of Darbhanga. Major temples include Shyama Kali temple and Kankali temple. Darbhanga.

7. Darbhanga Fort is another attraction for outsiders coming to the city.

8. Darbhanga is also known for its ponds and you will find hundreds of them across this city. Some of the major ones are Harahi (in front of Railway station), Dighi and Gangasagar.

How to reach

It is not too difficult to reach Madhubani but the roads are in very bad shape. So you need to watch your head when you are in the car. You can reach Madhubani by any means:

By Road

Madhubani is directly linked with Darbhanga district by National Highway 104.

By Rail
Madhubani Railways station is directly linked with Darbhanga junction.

By Air

The nearest airport is at Patna from where regular flights are available to all important towns and cities across the country.

Connectivity

· Nearest Railway Station: Madhubani (R S)
· Nearest Airport: Patna



Foods & Restaurants

Makhana (Gorgon nut or Fox nut) is a local aquatic food product of this region. Puddings and salted delicacies made of Makhana are famous in this region. Other local delicacies include chuda-dahi and sattu. For non-vegetarians, fish in mustard paste will be the most rewarding experience. Mainly in this district you have rice based cuisines. Most people prefer simple food consisting of Rice, Chapatti, Pulses, vegetables and Pickle. Yet you will be amazed that Non- Vegetarian food is better then Vegetarian food served here.
There are plenty of restaurants across Darbhanga who serve Indian, European and Indian variant of Chinese food. Some of the well known are Rajasthan, Mithai Ghar and Basera at Darbhanga Tower and Ganga Executive club inside Darbhanga Fort.
Lassi is something that every Indian likes and we easily talk miles and miles without stopping if you have a glass of lassi with you. You can discuss the whole world over a glass of lassi at any of the lassi counters across this city. Other important drink is sattu mixed with water and sugar or salt. My lassi shop is very famous named....Raman

Quick Facts

Getting There
State
Bihar
District

Madhubani
Coordinates

26°37' N, Longitude: 86°08' E
Official language(s)

Maithili, English, Hindi
Madhubani Climate / Weather

Winter: 5-10 degree F; Summer: 35-45 degree F

Nearest Airport
Patna (20 km)
Nearest Train Stations
Madhubani Railway Station
Main Road Highways
National Highway 104
Best time to visit
October to March