London, United Kingdom | March 20, 2026
Bihar Diwas 2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and cultural pride at the iconic Nehru Centre, London, in close association with the High Commission of India in the United Kingdom. Marking a historic milestone, this was the first-ever Bihar Diwas celebration in England, bringing together the vibrant Bihar diaspora and distinguished guests from across the UK.
The event was organised under the leadership of Dr Rajeev Jha and Pankaj Jha, along with the dedicated efforts of the BAUK team. The Bihar Association UK (BAUK) was founded by Dr. Rajeev Jha, Mrs. Chanda Jha, Mr. Pankaj Jha, Mr. Dhananjay Mishra, and Mrs. Sanchayita Mishra, whose vision continues to strengthen the cultural and community presence of Bihar in the United Kingdom.
The venue witnessed a full house, offering attendees an emotional and immersive experience that beautifully captured the essence of Bihar through its people, stories, music, dance, and cuisine—bringing Bihar to life for the evening.
The event featured a rich cultural exhibition showcasing traditional Madhubani paintings, ethnic attire, handcrafted artefacts, and authentic Bihari delicacies such as Thekua and Pirika.
The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Santosh Kumar, accompanied by his spouse Chetna Sinha, parents of Kanishka Narayan. A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Bihar Global Excellence Award to Shri Kanishka Narayan by BAUK, recognising his outstanding contributions and achievements.
Guest of Honour Asha Khemka delivered an inspiring address, sharing her journey and emphasising individuality, while Virendra Sharma spoke on public service and strengthening India–UK relations. Rakesh Kumar encouraged deeper cultural engagement and community collaboration.
The celebration saw participation from leading diaspora organisations, including Bihari Beyond Boundaries, British Bihari, Uttar Pradesh Cultural Association, Rajasthan Association UK, Maharashtra Mandal, Assam Association, Madhya Pradesh Association, and Jharkhand Association—highlighting unity and collective spirit.
A panel discussion on IT, infrastructure, and healthcare explored opportunities for the Bihar–UK diaspora to contribute to Bihar’s development and global recognition. Industry experts Dhananjay Mishra and Dr Rupyesh Jha shared insights on investment, innovation, and healthcare advancements.
The evening concluded with a vibrant cultural programme featuring performances such as “Hum Hain Bihari,” Kajri & Sama Chakeva dance, Jhoomar, Chaiti, and a Chhath Parv dance drama, followed by traditional dinner—marking the success of a memorable celebration.
(About BAUK):
The Bihar Association of the UK (BAUK) is a community-driven organisation dedicated to promoting Bihar’s rich cultural heritage, fostering community engagement, and strengthening ties between Bihar and the global diaspora. Founded by Dr. Rajeev Jha, Mrs. Chanda Jha, Mr. Pankaj Jha, Mr. Dhananjay Mishra, and Mrs. Sanchayita Mishra, BAUK continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange, collaboration, and recognition.
