A dawn-to-dusk Bihar bandh called by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and supported by Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and Left parties began this morning amid tight security.
The RJD has called the bandh and a 'chakka-jaam' today to protest against the alleged failure of the central and state governments to control escalating prices of essential commodities.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made for today's shutdown, additional director general of police (headquarters) US Dutt said.
In the state capital, grocery and vegetable shops were seen open in the morning, but vehicular traffic was thin.
Most of the schools were closed as a precautionary measure, official sources said.
Private bus operators suspended their service in several parts of the state.
Essential services, including hospitals, water and electricity supply have been kept out of the purview of the bandh, RJD leader Lalu Prasad said.
Railways too have been exempted from the shutdown, he said.
