Sonpur Mela 2020 Biggest Cattle Fair of Asia to start soon
Like every year, Sonpur Mela 2020 Biggest Cattle Fair of Asia to start soon. This fair is also known as Harihar Kshetra Mela. It starts on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima. Normally it starts in November and runs till the end of December. It is held in the Sonpur area of Vaishali District. The area is surrounded by river Gandak and river Ganga. The tourism department of Bihar organizes this fair every year.
Even though the nature of this fair from ancient times has changed in time-lapse but its importance is still the same today. This is the reason that every year millions of domestic and foreign tourists reach here. The government is also making all efforts to maintain the importance of this fair.
Bihar State Tourism Department always gives a lot of effort to bring this fair in its old form and attract tourists.
History
Harihar Nath temple is a major part of this venue. According to Hindu mythology, this temple is built by Lord Rama while going to Raja Janak court to win Mata Sita in Swyamwar. Built at the meeting point of river Gandak and River Ganga adds more importance to the temple.
According to mythological beliefs, this place is also known as ‘Gajendra Moksha Sthal’. It is believed that two devotees of God originated on earth in the form of an elephant (Gaja) and a crocodile (graha). When Gaja came to drink water at Konahara Ghat, Graha grabbed it in the mouth and war started between the two.
The war went on for several days. Meanwhile, when Gaja began to weaken, he prayed to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu ended the war of both by running Sudarshan Chakra on the day of Kartik Purnima.
The Fair
This fair is known for selling Animal breeds. Many sellers across the country come to showcase their cattle for selling. Most of the animals which are sold are:
- Cow
- Buffalos
- Dog
- Ponies
- Horses
- Rabbit
- Goat
- Camels
Many other Animals are used to sell in the past but due to government ban, it cannot be sold, like Elephant. Haathi bazaar is a famous spot in this fair. It is among the main attraction of Sonpur Mela.Elephants are lined up just to showcase at the fair.
The horse market spread over a large area of Harihar Kshetra Fair. Many cattle traders from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab along with their exotic breed horses from different districts of Bihar came to sell their breed.
Besides cattle, there are numerous places to visit and things to buy. Several programs happen at this fair. Some of them are:-
- Maut ka Kuan
- Singing Shows
- Regional Dance
- Small skits
- Tantrik show
- Theatre dance show
- Sports events
There are many stalls in the whole fair which sell a wide range of products. Some of these things are:-
- Garments
- Furniture
- Jewelry
- Toys
- Utensils
- Agricultural related products
- Electronics equipment
Varieties of handicrafts, Plastic goods are also available here.
This place is also for the foodies who visit here. You can find regional food, Chaat corner, Indo-Chinese cushion, etc.
Swiss Cottages
Cottages are built on the fair premises. All modern facilities are being provided in these cottages to give a sense of a rural environment. As per Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, for the convenience of tourists, a tourist village is being built here, in which Swiss cottages have been built. Its environment is rural, but the facility inside is hi-tech. online booking is also available.
ALSO READ: List of Top 5 Popular Tourist Places to Visit near Patna
How to reach.
By road – NH 31 is connected to cities like Patna, Hajipur, Muzzafarpur, etc. Buses are available from Patna and Hazipur.
By Train- Sonpur station is the nearest station to this fair. One can easily reach through Hajipur Station and Patna Junction where the train reaches from major cities of India.
By Air – Patna airport is the nearest airport, which is 31 kM from the fair. Taxi booking is available.
I hope this information is helpful in exploring Sonpur mela. Sonpur Mela 2020 Biggest Cattle Fair of Asia to start soon We have tried to cover all the essential elements of this Fair.
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