Sonepur Fair

Sonepur is located in Saran district of Bihar, 22 km away from Patna, at the confluence of two mighty rivers, the Ganga and Gandak. It is a small town amid picturesque surroundings, close to the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, the longest road bridge in Asia. Sonepur is famous for hosting one of Asia's largest cattle fairs. The month-long event, better known as Sonepur Mela, is held in the month of November every year.

All kinds of working animals elephants to camels,cattle and goats are bought and sold at the fair. Besides, it's a fair of dance, music and masti and, as such, it draws tourists from all over India and abroad. The fair is visited by lakhs of people, and the congregation is the largest on the Kartik Purnima day when the festival opens. A bath in the Ganga and puja at the Hariharnath Mandir here on the day is considered auspicious.

Sonepur is a divisional headquarters of Indian Railways. There are large railway workshops and a number of quarters for employees. The Railway Colony has a recreation club.

The old Gandak railway bridge by the side of the Sonepur railway station here was opened in March 1887. It is 2,176 feet long and is built of eight spans of 250 feet, with two broad path ways for pedestrians. Because of the swift flow of water in the Gandak when it swells during the rains and the unstable nature of its bed, the bridge was regarded as a triumph of engineering skill when it was built.

But this bridge was later found unable to meet the requirements of the heavy traffic, which increased with time, and another magnificent railway bridge was constructed at some distance from the old one. The old bridge was handed over to the state government for road traffic.

After offering puja in Hariharanath temple the visitors visit the various attractions offered in and around the mela ground. They are attracted to varieties of shops selling varieties of products like garments, weapons, furniture, toys, utensils, agricultural implements, jewelry and handicrafts. Folk shows, games and jugglers further add to the attraction of the Sonepur Cattle Fair. Handicrafts, paintings and pottery from all over India can be seen here. For food loving people there are varieties of cuisine from almost all parts of the country.

But the most important of all attractions is the one where numerous elephants, beautifully decorated are lined up for sale. The Sonepur Fair is the only one where such a large number of elephants are sold. These are mainly purchased by different forest departments and people involved with logging operations. Apart from elephants, a large number of cattle, a wide variety of animals and horses are also brought to the fair for sale. Nearly all types of animals are bought to the Sonepur mela like dogs, camels, buffaloes, donkeys, ponies, monkeys, chimps, Persian horses, sheep, rabbits, bears, cats, and guinea pigs. All varieties of birds, poultry and fishes are also available.

How to Reach
Sonepur is 25 kilometers from Patna, the capital city of Bihar. By Air you have to reach Patna airport. By Rail you have to board a rail to Patna or Hajipur station. From Patna or Hajipur you can hire taxi/auto for Sonepur Mela.

Venue : Sonepur, Bihar (held on the bank of river Ganga)
Time : Kartik Purnima (November)
Duration : Fifteen days (approximately)
Cycle : Yearly
Highlights : World's one of the biggest cattle carnivals
Legends : Gajendra moksha is related to Sonepur Mela
Place of Worship : Hariharanath Mahadeo Temple
Attractions : Cattle Fair (Elephant and Horse)
Nearby Airport : Patna
Nearby Railway St. : Patna or Hajipur