Patna, the capital of Bihar, is one of the oldest cities in the world, situated by the River Ganges. It proudly holds the rich heritage, patriotism, and culture of the city. Patna has been bustling for centuries with its ancient neighborhoods and historical sites, reflecting its two thousand years of history. The city has been a center for various religions and was ruled by many dynasties, leaving behind a rich tapestry of culture and traditions. Patna's charm lies in its historical sites and a lively mix of cultures including Buddhist, Sufi, Jain, Sikh, and Hindu influences.
Aside from its heritage, Patna is also known for its contributions to education and arts. Many renowned musicians and artists hail from the city, contributing to music styles like Dadra, Kajli, Khayaal, and Dhamma. Once known as Kusumpura, the city has evolved through different names to become Patna. During the Indian freedom movement, Patna played a pivotal role, with landmarks like Sadaqat Ashram, where freedom fighters gathered. The city also honors the sacrifice of patriotic college students who were shot by the British for hoisting the Indian flag, with a memorial standing in their memory. Additionally, Gandhi Ghat holds significance as the place where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in the Ganges
Patna has a subtropical climate with three main seasons: summer (from late March to June), monsoon (from late June to late September), and cold, foggy winters (from November to February).
Patna's economy relies heavily on agriculture and trade, including both imports and exports. The city exports grains, sugarcane, sesame seeds, and Patna rice. It's also home to several sugar mills. In recent years, industries like Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), services, and businesses related to the green revolution have grown steadily. In 2009, the World Bank ranked Patna as the second-best city in India to start a business. As of 2015, Patna's GDP per capita is ₹1,06,000, with a GDP growth rate of 7.29 percent.
The Buddha Smriti Park was created by the Government of Bihar to honor Lord Buddha's 2554th birthday. It's a peaceful area spreading over 22 acres in size. The park features two Bodhi trees, planted by the Dalai Lama, flanking a statue of Lord Buddha. Also called the Buddha Memorial Park, it sits near Patna Junction on Frazer Road, across from the Mahavir Mandir. The park aims to showcase the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. It includes the Pataliputra Karuna Stupa, a meditation center, a library filled with books on Buddhism, a museum, and a Park of Memories.
Among the various ghats along the River Ganges in Patna, Gandhi Ghat stands out as the most famous. It's named after Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's freedom struggle, as it's believed that his ashes were immersed in the Ganges from this ghat. Every weekend, the ghat comes alive with the evening arti ceremony, where priests in saffron robes perform rituals and prayers, and sing songs. The start of the ceremony is signaled by the blowing of a conch shell.
Patna is getting its own metro system called the Patna Metro, which will have 2 lines and 24 stations. This urban Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) is currently being built by the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (PMRCL)
The first phase of the Patna Metro project, covering 30.91 kilometers, was planned by RITES and approved by the Bihar government on February 9, 2016.
To oversee the project, the Bihar government set up the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (PMRCL) on September 25, 2018. They appointed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) as the General Consultant (GC) to help with the project's execution.
In November 2019, the DMRC announced changes to the project's plan, including adjustments to the alignment of both metro lines. This resulted in the addition of a second interchange at Khemni Chowk, the removal of Line-1's depot at Aitwarpur, and the inclusion of 2 new stations at Ramkrishna Nagar and Jaganpura.