Know about Sonepur Mela, the largest cattle fair in Asia

New Delhi: The Sonepur Mela is organized in the Indian state of Bihar, every year in auspicious Hindu month of Karthik. Also known as Harihar Kshetra Mela, it is a month-long mela or fair where elephants, camels, cows, buffaloes, horses, dogs, birds, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs are traded. Till date, it is the biggest cattle fair of Asia and stretches on from fifteen days to one month. It has its origins during ancient times. The fair has its origin during ancient times when Emperor Chandragupta Maurya used to buy elephants and horses. Sonepur or Swarnpur as was once known marked the southern-most tip of the kingdom of King Prajapati Daksha, father of Sati, who was married to Lord Shiva. The Mela starts on a full moon day of Karthik Purnima, generally in the month of November, as devotees flock to offer prayers after taking a holy dip at the confluence of Gandak and Ganges rivers. Many believe that a struggle took place at this spot in Sonepur between the ruler of Gandharva, Huhu and Indraya muni; ultimately Lord Vishnu helping the weaker latter. That is why there is a vast gathering of devotees at the confluence for the two holy rivers for the blessed dip at the adjacent “Harihar Nath temple” on the full moon day. Many believe that Lord Ram established the temple on his way to Lanka. The locals regard that a dip here at this confluence of the 2 rivers is equivalent to giving away of 100 cows. However, it now attracts people from all geographical and religious diversity from the Punjab and Kashmir to Bhutan and Kerala. During the British Raj, merchants from Afghanistan and Britain used to attend. The vast multitude of people transforms this small town of Sonepur for a month into a vast cauldron of merriment and celebration. Other than the livestock, the sprawling mela ground comes alive with music and dance theatres, carnival and joy rides, magic shows, colourful street food, hawkers peddling all kinds of stuff, sadhus selling Ayurveda and local medicine, cloth merchants, huge number of local jewellery and handicraft stalls, even modern automobiles and tractors make this fair an unique event. The Sonepur Fair is the only one where such a large number of elephants are traded - although they cannot legally be sold. Major attraction is the sight of numerous elephants, beautifully decorated for the purpose of sale.