Bihar cinemagoers blend Chhath festivities with film screenings

Cinema halls across Bihar have become unexpected venues for Chhath festivities, with audiences attending screenings of 'The Vvaan' purchasing and consuming thekua—a traditional wheat-based sweet prepared during the harvest festival—inside theatres. The trend reflects how regional audiences are blending cultural celebrations with modern entertainment formats, turning multiplex visits into festive occasions.

Thekua, a labour-intensive preparation made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, holds significant cultural importance during Chhath, which is predominantly celebrated in Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. The inclusion of this festival-specific snack in theatre concessions has resonated with regional audiences, many of whom prepare for the four-day festival that honours the sun god.

Theatre operators have capitalized on the festival season by stocking traditional sweets alongside popcorn and other standard refreshments. The move demonstrates cinema's evolving role as a cultural gathering space in regional markets, where multiplex-going intersects with local traditions and festivities.

Chhath, one of Bihar's most significant festivals, traditionally involves elaborate food preparations and family gatherings. The integration of these customs into cinema hall experiences underscores growing efforts by entertainment venues to cater to regional preferences and strengthen community connections during festival seasons.