Introduction
The famed cattle fair is held at Sonepur, in Northern Bihar on the banks of the River Ganga. It is one Of the Asia's largest cattle fair. The full moon day of the month of Kartik (November) is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus.
Sonepur situated on the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Gandak, has the reverence of a blessed ground and lasts for a fortnight.
In ancient times the Royal Rajahs and Nawabs used to camp here. The Sonepue Fair has unique and historical importance.
A bath at the confluence and a visit to the Hariharnath temple here is the aim for thousands of devotees on the Kartika Purnima day.
In ancient times the Royal Rajahs and Nawabs used to camp here. The Sonepue Fair has unique and historical importance.
A bath at the confluence and a visit to the Hariharnath temple here is the aim for thousands of devotees on the Kartika Purnima day.
The sprawling mela ground here with the pulsating market has the widest possible range of cattle and commodities. The array of shops sells all sorts of merchandise. Sonepur Fair is the only one of its kind where a large number of elephants are sold.
These are purchased mainly by forest departments and people involved with logging operations. Apart from elephants, a large number of cattle and horses are also brought to the fair for sale. Various folk shows, games and jugglers can be seen in the fair.
These are purchased mainly by forest departments and people involved with logging operations. Apart from elephants, a large number of cattle and horses are also brought to the fair for sale. Various folk shows, games and jugglers can be seen in the fair.
History
There are many historical events associated with Sonepur Mela like the first meeting of the “Indian Association of Cow Protection” held at this place in 1888. Different meetings during Sonepur Fair lead to the launch of the struggle movement against the British imperialism in Bihar.
The fair was also used as a recruitment ground by The Provincial Congress Committee of Bihar and the Bihar Kisan Sabha (Farmers union), these all events made this fair as the breeding ground of politics.
One of the interesting histories associated with the fair is that the original site for this popular fair was Hajipur instead of Sonepur. Previously only the ceremony of puja used to be held at Harihar Nath temple of Sonepur but later the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb decided to shift the site of the fair to Sonepur..
One of the interesting histories associated with the fair is that the original site for this popular fair was Hajipur instead of Sonepur. Previously only the ceremony of puja used to be held at Harihar Nath temple of Sonepur but later the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb decided to shift the site of the fair to Sonepur..
It is believed that the temple of Harihar Nath was built by Lord Rama on his way to court of King Janak to win the hand of Mata Sita and later repaired by Raja Man Singh. Finally Raja Ram Narain further modified the temple during the late Mughal period.
These days, Sonepur fair also called Harihar Kshetra Mela is administered by District of Chapra with support from Bihar Govt. and promoted by the Tourism Ministry of Bihar. The administration also arranges health and welfare camps, sanitation, drinking water facilities for the visitors.
These days, Sonepur fair also called Harihar Kshetra Mela is administered by District of Chapra with support from Bihar Govt. and promoted by the Tourism Ministry of Bihar. The administration also arranges health and welfare camps, sanitation, drinking water facilities for the visitors.
Legends
Like so many places of pilgrimage in India Sonepur also has its legend. It involves two kings both of whom were turned into animals – a crocodile and an elephant – by the curse of sages who were offended by them.
Once, while bathing in the lake with a party of women, a Gandharva chief named Huhu made fun of Dewala Muni by playfully pulling his leg. The ire of the sage took the form of a curse that turned Huhu into a crocodile.
The other accursed person was Indradyumna, a king of the Pandyas who was of a very pious nature but had offended the powerful sage, Agastya. The king had failed to notice the sage as he was in meditation when the sage visited him. The curse of the enraged Agastya turned Indradyumna into an elephant who took refuge in the woods surrounding the lake.
The other accursed person was Indradyumna, a king of the Pandyas who was of a very pious nature but had offended the powerful sage, Agastya. The king had failed to notice the sage as he was in meditation when the sage visited him. The curse of the enraged Agastya turned Indradyumna into an elephant who took refuge in the woods surrounding the lake.
One day while the elephant came with a herd to the lake to bathe, the gandharva-turned-crocodile caught his leg in its powerful jaws. Not to be taken lightly, the king of elephants tried to pull the crocodile up on the bank in an effort to crush him under his feet. A mighty battle ensued which was joined by other crocodiles and elephants.
The contest went on for thousands of years without any one being able to overpower the other. But ultimately the King Elephant weakened and prayed to the supreme god Vishnu (Hari) to save him. His prayer was answered and Vishnu cut down the crocodile with his chakra (disc).
The touch of the chakra, however, released Huhu from the curse and he went to heaven. Vishnu also released Indradyumna from his curse by touching his forehead and took the king to His abode, Vaikuntha.
The contest went on for thousands of years without any one being able to overpower the other. But ultimately the King Elephant weakened and prayed to the supreme god Vishnu (Hari) to save him. His prayer was answered and Vishnu cut down the crocodile with his chakra (disc).
The touch of the chakra, however, released Huhu from the curse and he went to heaven. Vishnu also released Indradyumna from his curse by touching his forehead and took the king to His abode, Vaikuntha.
How to Reach Sonepur
Sonepur Fair, the Asia’s biggest cattle fair held at northern Bihar on the banks of the River Ganga. The month long fair attracts visitors from far long places for trade of cattle, horses and elephants.
Visitors also attend the pulsating fair for many other activities other than the cattle trade like shopping in market stalls or witness live music, traditional dancing, storytelling, carnival acts and enjoy regional food and drink specialties.
There are many religious reasons for visitors to attend the fair like people come here to take holy dip in the confluence of the River Ganga and River Gandak and to offer obeisance to Harihar Nath in Hariharanath temple.
There are many religious reasons for visitors to attend the fair like people come here to take holy dip in the confluence of the River Ganga and River Gandak and to offer obeisance to Harihar Nath in Hariharanath temple.
One can reach the site of Sonepur Mela from Patna, as Sonepur is 25 kilometers from the capital city Patna of Bihar. Patna is well connected by Airways and Railways from all major cities of India. Even one can board a train to Hajipur station. Sonepur is assessable by road from Patna and Hajipur.
Where to Stay
State Tourism Department of Bihar offers Swiss cottage tents with all facilities and other then this there are wide options available for different private hotels at Patna.
Where to Stay
State Tourism Department of Bihar offers Swiss cottage tents with all facilities and other then this there are wide options available for different private hotels at Patna.
