SOENPUR FAIR
FAIRS OF INDIA – SOENPUR FAIR
The Sonepur Fair is also a Cattle Fair or Sonepur Mela held on Kartik Poornima (the full moon day) in the month of November in Sonepur, Bihar, on the confluence of river Ganga. It is also known as Harihar Kshetra Mela and it attracts many visitors from all over Asia. It is the biggest cattle fair of Asia and stretches from fifteen days to one month.
Many farm animals can be bought at the Sonepur mela from all breeds of dogs, buffaloes, donkeys, ponies, horses, sheep, rabbits, goats and even the occasional camel. Many varieties of birds are also available. The area that attracts all,it is also popular the Haathi Bazaar (where elephants are lined up for sale). The Sonepur Fair is the only one where elephants are traded in such a big number – although they cannot legally be sold. Numerous stalls are set up at the grounds of the Sonepur Fair. You will find a many variety of goods in these stalls, ranging from garments, weapons and furniture, toys, agricultural implements, jewelry and handicrafts. Major attraction of this fair is the sight of many elephants sold, which are beautifully decorated for the purpose of sale.
Soenpur is situated at the convergence of the sacred rivers Ganga and Gandak, the Hindus regard it as a holy site. One of the purposes of the people visiting the Sonepur Fair, apart from the fair, is to pay respects at the Hariharnath Temple.