Theme parks to showcase Bihar heritage

You've had amusements parks, zoological parks and botanical parks, but what about theme parks depicting heritage? The concept should not sound too bizarre given the state's rich tradition of art and culture. And in an age of increasing globalisation, sometimes it pays to be in touch with one's roots, especially for Gen-Y.

So get ready to have a day out in the sun in theme parks across the state showcasing art works, including three-dimensional wonders. The state's art and culture department has shortlisted Patna, Darbhanga, Gaya, Bettiah and Chapra for the special makeover. Themes have also been decided for each park.

The one to come up at Patna on the premises of Golghar, would depict the city's history from Mauryan times to the modern era. The one at Darbhanga would depict the culture and history of Mithilanchal.

Gaya's theme park, to come up near the Mahabodhi temple, would be replete with Buddhist philosophy, while the one at Chapra would showcase rural culture of the region. Bettiah's heritage park would depict the history of Champaran, including the events leading to Mahatma Gandhi's struggle against the Britishers for the local farmers.

The art and culture department has roped in students of the College of Arts and Crafts, Patna, for creating the art pieces for the Darbhanga park. The art works area ready for installation.

With many more such parks on the cards, the department has decided to function in a more organised way and has invited applications from qualified persons and institutions for executing the projects.

The selected candidates and institutions would be entrusted with the task of setting up the parks on a turn-key basis. The department would provide land and funds. "We intend to spend around Rs 1 crore on these parks and our target is to have them in place by the next fiscal (2010-11)," said art and culture department secretary, Vivek Singh, on Thursday.

He said, the parks, apart from being a medium of knowledge for Gen-Y, would also work as added attractions for tourists. "We intend to publish brochures about the parks," Singh added.link