Bihar scripts twin world records with Madhubani art, Buddhist bowl ensemble

Ahead of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, Bihar has set two Guinness World Records — for the largest Madhubani painting and for the largest singing bowl ensemble performed by Buddhist monks in Bodh Gaya.

The records come just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the national sporting event in Patna on May 4, marking the first time the Games are being hosted by Bihar. Competitions are slated across five cities — Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Begusarai.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who reviewed preparations at the Patliputra Sports Complex on Sunday, received the Guinness certificates from adjudicator Rishi in the presence of Ravindran Shankaran, Director General-cum-CEO of Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA).

Honouring Bihar’s cultural legacy, the state's women artists left a global mark when a team of 50 led by Padma Shri awardee Baua Devi from Mithila Chitrakala Sansthan, Saurath (Madhubani), created a sprawling 201.17 square feet Madhubani painting. Working tirelessly for 50 hours using natural colours and intricate designs, the artwork captures the essence of Bihar's rich heritage. It is set to be unveiled at the Games' opening ceremony.

Simultaneously, at the spiritual town of Bodh Gaya, 375 Buddhist monks from various monasteries — aged between five and 70 — performed a synchronized ensemble with singing bowls on Saturday, breaking the previous record held by 100 lamas. Shankaran said the initiative was conceived as a tribute to Bihar, celebrated as the 'Land of Enlightenment', where many religious traditions trace their roots.

“The twin feats are a matter of immense pride for the state, especially as we prepare to welcome athletes and dignitaries from across India,” Shankaran told The Indian Express.

Following the review meeting, the Chief Minister issued directives for the final stage preparations, particularly focusing on the central control and command centre at Patliputra Sports Complex, which will oversee operations during the Games. Around 10,000 athletes and technical officials are expected to participate across 28 disciplines.

The sporting events will be spread across venues such as IAS Bhawan (tennis), JP Ganga Path (cycling), BMP-5 indoor stadium (e-sports, wrestling, judo), Patel Sports Complex Railway (boxing, table tennis), and Patliputra Sports Complex (athletics, rugby 7s, volleyball, basketball, sepaktakraw).

The two world records, achieved in the lead-up to the Khelo India Youth Games Bihar 2025, have added a celebratory spirit to the event, placing Bihar on the global cultural map even before the first whistle blows.