Hilsa is a sub-division of the Nalanda district in the Indian state of Bihar well known as a centre of Buddhist knowledge. Hilsa was named after great squire Harinandan Prasad alias "Hilas Babu". Hilsa is a historical city. Magahi, Hindi, English are languages commonly spoken. Locateded approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) south-east of the state capital Patna, the area was an important hub during the Indian independence movement and produced many freedom fighters. It is the only Nagar Parishad in Nalanda. Hindu women celebrate Teej, Jeetiya, Chhath etc. with great religious enthusiasm. Diwali , Durga Puja , Holi , Basant Panchami , Shivratri , Ramnavmi , Janmashtami are among the most popular festivals of Hindus, while the important festivals of Muslims are Muharram , Eid and Bakrid . Chhath is the most sacred festival for this region. Its importance can be seen as it rejects all the barriers of religion. There is mandatory presence of the society in this festival from the celebration of Kharna till Ardhyadan. This is a huge and grand display of collective work done by the common and poor people in a spirit of service and devotion, forgetting the difficulties of their daily lives.