Diaspora Gallery
The Bihari Diaspora gallery offers visitors a unique perspective on the historic context of Bihari relocation across the globe, highlighting recent stories that illustrate Bihar's deep and lasting influence. As visitors move beyond the History Galleries, the Bihari Diaspora gallery seamlessly continues the narrative, bringing the story of Bihar into the modern world. With its fascinating exhibits and thought-provoking displays, this gallery provides a comprehensive look at the Bihari influence around the world.
Collection stories
Marigold Canopy
To express our solidarity and acknowledge a deep connection with our people settled in foreign lands, this gallery has drawn up a canopy of marigold flowers. Marigold flower in different hues of orange and yellow colours, is a symbol of festivity, prosperity and abundance. Its bright vibrancy is also likened with the radiance of the sun. It is considered auspicious and is used as our reverence in religious ceremonies. The Bihari Diaspora all over the world has kept alive all these traditions and is connected through these symbols with their roots.
Bhikhari Thakur : Poet behind songs of parting emotions ‘Bidesiya’
‘Bidesiya’- the famous Bihari folk songs and musicals have been penned by the legendary Bhikhari Thakur- the people’s poet. During the period between mid 19th and early 20th century, there was a huge exodus of contract labourers from Bihar for working in the plantations of the British colonies all over the world. ‘Bidesiya’ is the term given to these migrants, who left their homeland in hope of a better livelihood. Through these songs, the poet has very aptly given words to the emotions of pain, suffering and anguish due to the separation of our beloved ones.
‘Chutney’ : folk music with a mix of sweet and sour emotions
Connected with the historic migration of Bihari labourers to the British colonies in Caribbean islands, ‘Chutney’ is another expression of separation, longing and remembrance on the part of the migrants. Over a period of time these people learned the local music of the place and a fusion of bihari folk songs developed that gave a feeling of sweetness through its Bhojpuri songs and spiciness through the accompanying bass guitars, synthesizers and drums. This fusion music became very popular in countries of the Caribbean as well as Fiji, Mauritius & South Africa in the later years.
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