Submission Guidelines

We invite essays, reflections, and translations (both fictional and non-fictional) that explore the memories, histories, and legacies of people, places, and communities connected to Bihar, drawing from personal experiences, family histories, and regional narratives while situating them within broader social, cultural and global contexts.

We invite pitches with your proposed story idea (a short paragraph describing the focus or theme), why this story matters (and how it connects to Bihar), format/genre (essay, reflection, translation, etc.), contributor details (name, location), and a short bio (3–4 lines).

Terms of Contribution

Length & Format

• Word count: 800–2,500 words

• File format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)

• Font and line spacing: 12 pt, double-spaced, Times New Roman

• Images (optional): minimum 300 dpi, max 3 MB, JPG or PNG; We encourage submissions with at least 2-3 or more images, depending on the format and genre of the story.

• References and citations should follow the Chicago Notes–Bibliography style, wherever applicable.

Languages

• Given the region's multilingual nature, we strongly encourage submissions in languages other than English.

• Stories in Hindi, Bhojpuri, Maithili, and other languages are welcome.

• If you’re submitting a translation, you must have written permission from the original author or publisher (unless the work is in the public domain) and confirm that you’re authorised to share it with us.

Rights, Credit & Use

• The work submitted should be original and not previously published.

• If illustrations or images from secondary sources are included, contributors must mention the source.

• Copyright will be shared between the contributor and the Bihar Visual Archive & Lab.

• Credit line: Contributor Name / Bihar Visual Archive & Lab. Stories may be used for research, education, publications, exhibitions, and public outreach across print and digital platforms.

• Contributors may republish or share their written submissions, in full or in excerpted form, on personal websites, portfolios, blogs, or social media platforms and in print media. In all cases, the Bihar Visual Archive & Lab must be credited as the original publisher, and a link to the published work should be included wherever possible.

• No monetary compensation will be provided as of now, but the contributors will receive a BVA merchandise in return.

Email us your contribution at submissions@biharvisualarchive.in with the subject line: BVA Lab - Story Submission (2026).

Bihar Visual Archive & Lab is an initiative of Ajoriya Foundation, a non-profit organisation that works at the intersection of heritage, art, education, archives, and community enterprise through research, documentation, capacity building and creative initiatives.