PATNA
Patna is the capital and largest city of the state of Bihar in India. According to the United Nations, as of 2018, Patna had a population of 2.35 million, making it the 19th largest city in India. Covering 250 square kilometres (97 sq mi) and over 2.5 million people, its urban agglomeration is the 18th largest in India. Patna is the 21st fastest growing city in the world and 5th fastest growing city in India according to a study by the City Mayors Foundation. Patna registered an average annual growth of 3.72% during 2006–2010. As of 2015, GDP per capita of Patna is ₹1,06,000 and its GDP growth rate is 7.29 per cent.
Characterised by a remarkable blend of rich tradition and modernism, Patna, formerly known as Pataliputra, is believed to be one of the ancient continuously inhabited cities in the world. The town is steeped in the cultural legacy that has constantly evolved over the last 2500 years of its existence. It has endured the evolution of various religions like Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism, shaping a culturally vivacious city.Today, Patna is an important business centre and more significantly, it is a gateway to the Buddhist and Jain pilgrim centres of Nalanda, Bodhgaya, Vaishali, Rajgir and Pawapuri.
Patna is the capital and largest city of the state of Bihar in India. According to the United Nations, as of 2018, Patna had a population of 2.35 million, making it the 19th largest city in India. Covering 250 square kilometres (97 sq mi) and over 2.5 million people, its urban agglomeration is the 18th largest in India. Patna is the 21st fastest growing city in the world and 5th fastest growing city in India according to a study by the City Mayors Foundation. Patna registered an average annual growth of 3.72% during 2006–2010. As of 2015, GDP per capita of Patna is ₹1,06,000 and its GDP growth rate is 7.29 per cent.
Being influenced by various dynasties over time, the local cuisine of Patna is significantly vegetarian influenced by ancient Hindu and Buddhist culture. While the Mughals and Afghan influenced non-vegetarian dishes, especially those made of fish are also popular, the authentic Bihari cuisine is strictly vegetarian.
Litti-chokha (made of chickpea flour) and khichdi are the favourite staple foods. Seekh kababs and shammi kababs are also famous in the Muslim areas. Another delicacy is the kadhi bari (made of gram flour) along with the tarkari cooked in mustard gravy. In addition to this, Patna has a special fondness for sweet dishes. Naivedyam is a popular dish made from besan and dry fruits. Other famous sweets are Chandrakala/ Gujjia, Khaja, Kesar Peda, Dal Peda, Malpua, Parwal ki mithai etc. Local fast food snacks include Chana Ghugni, Samosa, Thekua etc.
