Artisans in Bihar create designs on fabric using thin sheets of gilt, a skill that requires significant expertise and has been passed down for centuries. Despite their craftsmanship, these artisans only find work during the wedding season, and must resort to labor jobs for the rest of the year.

The article profiles Ajay Mahato, a 27-year-old toddy tapper from Rasulpur village in Samastipur district, Bihar, who has been climbing palm trees to tap toddy since he was 15. The process involves climbing 40-foot tall trees to collect the sap, which is then sold to wholesalers or directly to customers. Despite the risks involved, including potential police action due to Bihar's prohibition law, Ajay prefers this work over migrating to other states for employment, as it allows him to stay with his family. The article also touches on the physical toll the work takes on his body and the seasonal nature of his income.

In various parts of Bihar, the epic tale of Alha-Udal (Rudal) is being spread through the solo performances of a singer at fields, weddings, and domestic events. The singer's narrative revives the once-celebrated esteem of these heroes, while also noting that people today are not as captivated by the 800-year-old musical saga.

The article discusses the rise of Mandal versus Kamandal politics in Bihar, focusing on the role of Lalu Prasad Yadav in promoting social justice and secularism. It recounts the Sitamarhi riots of 1992 and Lalu's decisive actions to control the situation. The narrative also covers Lalu's background, his rise to power with the support of OBCs and Dalits, and the impact of the Mandal Commission's recommendations on Bihar's politics. The BJP's strategic response to these developments and its growing influence in Bihar are also examined.

The marginalized Musahar community in Jehanabad district is being wrongfully implicated in prohibition-related cases, leading to significant legal expenses borne by the accused's families.

In Bihar Sharif, a 113-year-old madrasa and its library containing over 4,000 books were destroyed by arsonists.

In the high-profile Begusarai constituency of Bihar, BJP candidate Giriraj Singh is leading while CPI candidate Kanhaiya Kumar is trailing. Kumar, a former president of JNUSU, gained national attention in 2016 and has since been a popular figure in Begusarai. He is contesting against Singh, a BJP minister and a member of the Bhumihar caste, and Tanveer Hasan of the RJD. Despite early reports of Kumar leading, the mood in Begusarai turned somber as Singh's lead widened. The BJP camp is upbeat, attributing their lead to the achievements of the Narendra Modi government. The article provides a snapshot of the local sentiment and the political dynamics in Begusarai during the counting of votes.