Sonepur Mela Festival Tour 2023 (Cattle Fair)

Sonepur comes under the Saran district which is located in the northern part of the Indian state of Bihar. The Sonepur Mela is one of the popular fairs in Bihar. According to the Hindu calendar month, It is organized every year in the month of Kartik (October-November) by the govt. of Bihar.  The Sonepur Mela is held on the bank of the River Ganga. This place is situated at a distance of approx. 25 km from the capital city of Patna. This fair is also known as Harihar Kshetra Mela because it is celebrated in remembrance of Baba Harihar Nath.

Major Attractions of Sonepur Mela

Harihar Temple

Harihar Nath Temple is located in Bihar. It is believed that this temple was built by Lord Rama while going for the Swayambar of Sita Mata (wife of Lord Rama). People perform puja in this temple before going to the Sonepur fair and taking a dip in the river which is the meeting place of the holy rivers Ganga and Gandak.

Sonepur Cattle Fair

In ancient times, traders from as far as Central Asia used to come here the trading animals at the Sonepur Cattle Fair. Even today it is the biggest cattle fair in Asia and goes on from fifteen days to one month.

Haaazi Bazaar

Another key attraction of this fair is the sighting of numerous decorated elephants lined up for the purpose of sale in the place called Haazi Bazaar. A large number of Indian breed horses are also traded here. Enjoy performances of artists in Folk shows, games and stunts of jugglers Other interesting things are goods like handicrafts, local garments, toys, weapons, utensils, and agricultural tools, and local Indian jewellery are available for sale through small stalls. Sonepur fair is an ideal choice for a traveller who wants to experience various aspects of rural India. 

What is the date of the Sonepur Mela in Bihar 2023?

Sonepur Cattle Fair is held every year on Kartik Poornima in the month of November - December 2023 in Sonpur.