Set in panoramic surroundings, Sonepur is a small quiet
town situated over Asia's longest bridge, the Mahatma Gandhi
Setu, which is a short distance from Patna. It is famed
for the unique 3 week long Sonepur fair, rightly called
the 'king of fairs' that is only one of its kinds in the
whole of Asia, that it hosts in the period of October -
November.
Asia's Largest Cattle Fair
The Sonepur Fair is held on Karthik Purnima (the full
moon day) in the month of November in Sonepur (Bihar), on
the banks of river Ganga. It lasts for a fortnight and the
cattle are decorated for the occasion.
In the months of November/December Sonepur in Bihar becomes
the site of the Sonepur Livestock fair. It is Asia's largest
cattle fair where anything can be bought right from elephants
to camels, buffaloes, goats and all sorts of four-legged
creatures.
The fair becomes a virtual explosion of colours, music,
dances, magic shows, cattle, merchants and handicrafts as
people from all over the world congregate to participate
in this huge event. It has all the fun and hue of a popular
fair, which has religious connotations as well and is enjoyed
with a lot of jest and fanfare by all.
Legend
The fair is also a celebration of good over evil. Local
folklore has it that a crocodile once caught the leg of
an elephant that was bathing in the lake, who in turn tried
to crush it under his feet. Followed by a mighty battle
for thousands of years, joined by other crocodiles and elephants.
Finally the elephant prayed to Vishnu for help and was released
from the crocodile's hold when Vishnu killed it.
Shopping
Apart from the elephants, camels and other livestock,
visitors to this fair can also buy garments, weapons and
furniture, toys, utensils, agricultural implements, jewellery
and various handicrafts
How to Get There
Air:
Patna airport is 25 kms from Sonepur.
Road:
Buses to Sonepur are available from Patna.
