Fairs of Bihar characterizes the basic cultural pattern. People of Bihar are, at the core, very religious minded people who bank more on these festivals and
fairs of Bihar for their mental satisfaction.
In fact, these
fairs of Bihar form a means of comic-relief after the toils and hardship of daily life. Some of the important
fairs of Bihar that deserve special mention are:
Sonepur Cattle Fair - This fair is more of a cattle trading center where people from the different parts of Bihar come together to sell and buy animals such as cattle, sheep, birds, etc. The Sonepur Cattle Fair starts early in the morning. People of Bihar after taking a dip in the absolving water join together to enjoy in this fair. In the evening, one can find a cacophony of sounds pouring in from all corners. The fair lasts for a fortnight.
Makar Sankranti Mela - This fair of Bihar is held in the month of Paus (mid January) in Rajgir. Another site for this fair of Bihar is the Mandar hills in Banka district. It is a common belief that the famous 'panchyajanya shell' of the Mahabharata was found here.
Gaya-Pitrapaksha Mela - This mela forms one of the most important fairs of Bihar. Around September, the whole of Gaya goes agog with the clamor of the tourists who gather at this site to offer the prayers to their ancestors. Tradition maintains that it was Lord Buddha who was the first to perform 'pindaan' here.
These were some of the important fairs of Bihar that plays a great role in the socio-cultural life of Bihar.
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