It was in Sonepur that the first meeting of Indian Association of Cow
Protection took place. It was in this Sonepur Mela that the Freedom Fighter
Veer Kunwar Singh took the place for inspiring Indians to stand against the
Britishers. Its the place which led to the launch of Struggle Movement
against the Britishers in Bihar.
But long before this, during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya used to buy
and elephants and horses across the banks of river Ganges. From that time,
Sonepur Fair is known as the largest Cattle Fair of Asia. Today, it takes
place annually for 21 days every year, in the same place in the month of
November. Sonepur is the town; Sonepur is the place in Bihar where this huge
Fair takes place. Just like the Pushkar Fair of Rajasthan, the Sonepur Fair
too is held on the Full Moon Day or Kartik Poornima, one of the most
auspicious days of Hindus.
About Sonepur Fair
The Sonepur Fair is held at the Ghat or the Bank called the Kaun Hara - Who
Lost ? The Legend behind the Ghat tells the story of two Brothers who were
transformed into a Honest
Elephant
and a Dishonest Crocodile. Jai the elephant and Vijai the crocodile were two
devotees of Lord Vishnu. Once they quarreled over the proceeds of the
receiving after the completion of a Yagna. Angry, both of them cursed each
other and so got transformed into elephant and the crocodile.
So after rebirth, one day the crocodile saw the silent elephant drinking
water. He vengefully, caught the leg of the Elephant. Seeing this, lord
Vishnu himself came to earth and killed the Crocodile. This transformed both
of them to their original forms. Today, the same river bank is known as Kaun
Hara Ghat. It is in this Ghat that the Sonepur Fair is held.
Sonepur
Fair :
Sonepur Fair is the place a variety of Birds and Cattles are sold and
bought by the merchants. This Cattle Trading Centre, has the animals
like Elephants, Horses, Buffalos, cows. The birds are the pigeons,
parrots, parrakeets and others of the same breeds. Besides this, there
is a lot of fanfare going on in the Sonepur Fair. Ash smeared, saffron
clad men blow their conches. Its the beginning of the holy day - the
kartik poornima for them. A dip in the holy waters of the Gandek River
is the second holy things to do. For those who believe in the religion,
this one is the place which takes them away from the cycle of birth and
death. Amongst the thousands of people who come here are the ones who
solely come here for taking a dip in the holy waters.
Apart from these, there are the people who do the fanfare. Musicians,
dancers, artificial jewellery sellers, mehandi designers, ethnic indian
dress sellers all have their range here. Its the one of the most
happening place during the Kartik Poornima or the Sonepur Fair. Its the
best place to see the Indian Culture in its original forms. The waters
of the Gantek rivers are also the place for taking a traditional boat
tide without the gimmicks. Set foot on the boat and be there in the
midst of the waters, go under the over-bridge, see through the Indian
life as people walk on the banks of the river and be back to enthrall
yourself with the experience you had.
Our Suggestions
- Sonepur Fair is held in Sonepur District of Bihar. Once you reach
the Capital of Bihar, take a cab to Sonepur. Its a 2 - 3 hrs drive
from there.
- Sonepur Fair does not involve high society life. This Village Town
fulfills the demands of simple life. Other essentials things have to
brought by you. For any other information in this regard, contact us.
- It can be somewhat chilly in the morning hours in Bihar. So bring
along very light woolens for the 2 - 3 days stay.
- The Sonepur Fair is held in the month of November, on the day of
the Karthik Poornima or Full Moon. For the Official dates of the Fair,
contact us!
- Food available is purely Vegetarian. Some Hotels do offer Non -
Vegetarian food, but its only in the Hotels. Outside, ask for
Vegetarian Food only.
- Bihar has been a hub of education during the Buddha Era. There are
many places like Nalanda which must be visited since you are in Bihar.
If you are in Bihar, then don't forget to take a pick of the Madhubani
Paintings !
- For Tours and further information, contact us.
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