Sonepur Cattle Fair

Sonepur Cattle Fair, takes place from the 24th November to 15th December 2007 and in the Hindu month Kartik, at the bank of the river Ganga in Sonepur, Bihar.

Celebrated on the day of Kartik Purnima, the fair commemorates Harihar Nath. Also known as Harihar Kshetra Mela, the Sonerpur Fair, attracts visitors from all over Asia. It is the largest Cattle Fair in Asia that goes on for around 15 days.

The Harihar Nath temple, where the puja takes place is believed to have been built by Lord Rama himself.

As the temple is situated on the banks of the river Ganga, it is considered to be a sacred place by the Hindus. People come to the fair to take a dip into the river Ganga and pay respect to the Harihar temple.

Numerous stalls are set up in the Sonerpur Fair selling goods such as garments, weapons, toys, furniture, utensils, agricultural equipments, jewelries and the handicrafts that exhibit the local arts and crafts to the tourists.

The added attraction of the Sonerpur Mela that makes it stand apart is the stalls that sell the decorated elephants. Mostly these elephants are bought by the people from the forest department, who use them for logging purposes. Also a large number of horses are sold in this fair.

Folk shows, jugglery and other games add excitement to the Cattle fair Sonepur.

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