Current Time in Patna, India

Patna is the capital city of Bihar state in eastern India, situated on the southern bank of the Ganges River. With a population of approximately two million people in the city proper and nearly six million in the greater metropolitan area, Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Historically known as Pataliputra, it was the capital of several powerful ancient Indian empires and remains a center of historical and cultural significance in the Indian subcontinent.

Patna's recorded history stretches back to at least the fifth century BCE, when it was established as Pataliputra by the Haryanka dynasty. The city reached its greatest glory as the capital of the Maurya Empire, under whose ruler Chandragupta Maurya and his grandson Ashoka the Great, India was largely unified for the first time. The Greek ambassador Megasthenes described Pataliputra as one of the largest and most prosperous cities of the ancient world. Later, the Gupta Empire also made Pataliputra its capital, ushering in a period often described as the golden age of Indian civilization in terms of art, science, and philosophy.

Patna is home to several important historical and cultural landmarks. The Patna Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the Maurya and Gupta periods, including the famous Didarganj Yakshi, an exquisitely carved stone figure from the third century BCE. Golghar, a massive granary built by the British in 1786, offers panoramic views of the Ganges and the city. Mahavir Mandir, one of the most visited temples in India, is a major Hindu pilgrimage site. Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the five sacred Takhts of Sikhism, marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.

Patna has a rich cultural life reflecting Bihar's traditions of classical music, dance, and literature. The Bihari language and its dialects are spoken alongside Hindi. Local festivals including Chhath Puja, a unique sun-worship festival celebrated along the banks of the Ganges, attract enormous numbers of devotees and are among the most visually spectacular religious events in India. Bihari cuisine features litti chokha, sattu-based preparations, and various lentil and rice dishes.

Transportation in Patna is anchored by the Patna Junction railway station, one of the busiest in eastern India, and Jai Prakash Narayan International Airport. The Patna Metro is under construction and expected to significantly improve urban mobility. Road and river transport complement these networks.

Patna is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including Patna University, one of the oldest universities in India, Nalanda Open University, and the prestigious Patna Medical College Hospital.

Patna's economy is driven by trade, government, and services, with agriculture dominating the broader Bihar economy. As a city where millennia of history coexist with the aspirations of a rapidly urbanizing India, Patna embodies both the ancient roots and the modern ambitions of the world's most populous country.