Have you ever wondered what it would be like to witness the largest cattle fair in Asia, where you can see elephants, horses, camels, cows, and even birds being traded in a sprawling market? Or how about experiencing the rich culture and heritage of Bihar, where you can watch folk dances, puppet shows, magic shows, and circus acts, while enjoying the local cuisine and handicrafts? Or maybe you are interested in the spiritual aspect of the fair, where you can take a dip in the holy confluence of the Ganges and Gandak rivers, visit the ancient Harihar Nath temple, and participate in various religious rituals and ceremonies?
If any of these sound appealing to you, then you should definitely plan a trip to Sonepur Mela 2023, a one-of-a-kind event that attracts millions of visitors every year. Sonepur Mela is not just a fair, but a festival that celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of India. It is a place where you can witness the best of both worlds: the traditional and the modern, the rural and the urban, the sacred and the secular.
In this article, we will give you a complete guide to Sonepur Mela 2023, covering everything from its history and mythology to its dates and location to its major attractions and events to its best places to stay and tips for visiting. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to make your trip to Sonepur Mela 2023 a memorable one.
History and Mythology of Sonepur Mela
Sonepur Mela has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. According to legend, the fair originated from a mythological battle between Lord Vishnu and a demon king named Gaj-Grah (elephant-catcher), who had captured all the elephants on earth. Lord Vishnu took the form of a half-man half-lion creature called Narasimha and fought with Gaj-Grah at the site of the Harihar Nath temple in Sonepur. He eventually freed the elephants and killed the demon. Since then, Sonepur Mela has been held every year to commemorate this victory and honor Lord Vishnu.
Another legend says that Sonepur Mela was started by Chandragupta Maurya (340-298 BC), the founder of the Mauryan Empire, who used to buy elephants and horses from the fair for his army. The fair was also patronized by various Mughal emperors, who added more glamour and grandeur to it. During the British colonial rule, however, the fair faced some restrictions and regulations that affected its scale and scope. After India’s independence in 1947, the fair regained its glory and popularity as a symbol of national pride and cultural identity.
Today, Sonepur Mela is considered as one of the oldest and largest fairs in Asia. It showcases the rich diversity and heritage of Bihar and India as a whole. It also serves as an important platform for trade, commerce, tourism, and social exchange.
Dates and Location of Sonepur Mela 2023
Sonepur Mela is held every year in the month of Kartik (November-December) according to the Hindu calendar. The exact date of the fair varies from year to year depending on the lunar cycle. The fair usually starts on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day) and lasts for about a month. In 2023, Sonepur Mela is expected to start on November 5th (Sunday) and end on December 4th (Monday).
The venue of Sonepur Mela is the Harihar Nath temple in Sonepur, a small town in Saran district of Bihar. The temple is located on the banks of the River Gandak, which merges with the River Ganges at this point. The confluence of these two rivers is considered as sacred by Hindus and is known as “Harihar Kshetra” or “the abode of Lord Vishnu”. The temple itself is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his half-man half-lion avatar Narasimha. The temple complex also houses several other shrines dedicated to different gods and goddesses.
How To Reach
To reach Sonepur Mela by air, you can take a flight to Patna Airport (PAT), which is about 25 km away from Sonepur. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Sonepur.
To reach Sonepur Mela by rail, you can take a train to Sonepur Railway Station (SEE), which is connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. From there, you can take a rickshaw or a boat to reach the fairground.
To reach Sonepur Mela by road, you can take a bus or a car to Sonepur, which is well-connected to nearby towns and cities like Patna, Hajipur, Chhapra, and Muzaffarpur.
To get around Sonepur during the fair, you can use public transport like buses, rickshaws, or boats. You can also rent a bicycle or a motorcycle to explore the fair at your own pace. Alternatively, you can walk around the fairground and enjoy the sights and sounds of the fair.
Major Attractions and Events of Sonepur Mela 2023
Sonepur Mela is a feast for the senses, offering a variety of attractions and events for all kinds of visitors. Whether you are interested in animals, culture, religion, or shopping, you will find something to suit your taste and preference at the fair. Here are some of the major attractions and events of Sonepur Mela 2023 that you should not miss:
The animal trade:
The main attraction of Sonepur Mela is the animal trade, where you can see thousands of animals of different breeds, sizes, and colors being bought and sold in a huge market. The most popular animals at the fair are elephants, which are decorated with colorful paints and ornaments and are used for rides and blessings.
Other animals that you can see at the fair include horses, camels, cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, rabbits, and even birds like parrots, pigeons, and peacocks. You can also witness some rare and exotic animals like bears, monkeys, snakes, and crocodiles at the fair. The animal trade is not only a source of income for the traders but also a way of life and tradition for them.
The cultural performances:
Another attraction of Sonepur Mela is the cultural performances, where you can watch various forms of folk art and entertainment from Bihar and other parts of India. You can enjoy folk dances like Bhojpuri dance, Jhumar dance, Chhau dance, and Nautanki dance; puppet shows like Kathputli; magic shows; circus acts; wrestling matches; and musical concerts. You can also see some modern forms of entertainment like Bollywood shows; fashion shows; comedy shows; and games and rides. The cultural performances are a way of showcasing the talent and creativity of the artists and entertainers as well as preserving and promoting the culture and heritage of the region.
The religious rituals:
Another attraction of Sonepur Mela is the religious rituals, where you can participate in various ceremonies and prayers that are held at the fair. You can take a dip in the holy confluence of the Ganges and Gandak rivers on Kartik Purnima (the first day of the fair), which is believed to wash away your sins and grant you salvation. You can also visit the Harihar Nath temple and offer your prayers to Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha form.
You can also join other devotees in performing rituals like lighting lamps; offering flowers; chanting mantras; singing bhajans; fasting; donating money; feeding the poor; and taking vows. The religious rituals are a way of expressing your faith and devotion to God as well as seeking his blessings and protection.
The handicraft stalls:
Another attraction of Sonepur Mela is the handicraft stalls, where you can buy some unique and beautiful products and souvenirs that are made by local artisans and craftsmen. You can find items like pottery; woodwork; metalwork; leatherwork; jewelry; paintings; sculptures; textiles; carpets; quilts; baskets; toys; books; CDs; DVDs; etc.
You can also find some regional specialties like Madhubani paintings; Bihar silk sarees; Khadi clothes; Manjusha art; Tikuli art; etc. The handicraft stalls are a way of supporting the livelihoods and skills of the artisans and craftsmen as well as appreciating their artistry and craftsmanship.
Best Places to Stay Near Sonepur Mela 2023
Sonepur Mela attracts millions of visitors every year from different parts of India and abroad. Therefore, finding a suitable place to stay near the fair can be a challenge. However, there are some options available for different types of travelers depending on their budget and preference. Here are some of the best places to stay near Sonepur Mela 2023 that you can consider:
Budget hotels:
If you are looking for low-cost options for accommodation near the fair, you can choose from some budget hotels that offer basic facilities and services at affordable prices. Some of these hotels are Hotel Ashoka Grand (Rs 800 per night), Hotel Anand Regency (Rs 900 per night), Hotel Krrish Clarks Inn (Rs 1000 per night), and Hotel The Golden Sunrise (Rs 1200 per night).
Mid-range hotels:
If you are looking for moderate options for accommodation near the fair, you can choose from some mid-range hotels that offer decent facilities and services at reasonable prices. Some of these hotels are Hotel Maurya Patna (Rs 3000 per night), Hotel Chanakya Patna (Rs 3500 per night), Hotel Patliputra Continental (Rs 4000 per night), and Hotel Lemon Tree Premier Patna (Rs 4500 per night).
Luxury hotels:
If you are looking for high-end options for accommodation near the fair, you can choose from some luxury hotels that offer excellent facilities and services at premium prices. Some of these hotels are Hotel The Panache Patna (Rs 6000 per night), Hotel Gargee Grand Patna (Rs 7000 per night), Hotel The Westin Patna (Rs 8000 per night), and Hotel Taj Skyline Patna (Rs 10000 per night).
Resorts:
If you are looking for spacious and scenic options for accommodation near the fair, you can choose from some resorts that offer comfortable and relaxing stays at attractive prices. Some of these resorts are Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) Resort Sonepur (Rs 1500 per night), Nirmala Resort Sonepur (Rs 2000 per night), Sona Resort Sonepur (Rs 2500 per night), and Vrindavan Resort Sonepur (Rs 3000 per night).
Tips for Visiting Sonepur Mela 2023
Sonepur Mela is a unique and amazing experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. However, to make the most of your visit, you need to be prepared and aware of some things that can help you enjoy the fair without any hassle or trouble. Here are some tips for visiting Sonepur Mela 2023 that you should keep in mind:
What to carry:
When visiting the fair, you should carry some essential items that can make your trip easier and safer. Some of these items are cash, identity proof, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera, phone, charger, power bank, first aid kit, medicines, sanitizer, mask, etc.
What to buy:
When shopping at the fair, you should look out for some of the best deals and bargains that are available at the fair. Some of the items that you can buy at the fair are pottery, woodwork, metalwork, leatherwork, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, textiles, carpets, quilts, baskets, toys, books, CDs, DVDs, etc. You can also buy some regional specialties like Madhubani paintings; Bihar silk sarees; Khadi clothes; Manjusha art; Tikuli art; etc.
What to wear:
When dressing up for the fair, you should wear appropriate and comfortable clothes and accessories that suit the weather and the culture of the place. You should avoid wearing revealing or tight clothes that may attract unwanted attention or offend the local sensibilities. You should also wear flat or closed shoes that can protect your feet from dust and dirt. You can also accessorize your outfit with some colorful scarves or hats that can add some flair to your look.
You may also like to read: Finding a Glimpse into the Rural Life with Sonepur Mela
What to do:
When exploring the fair, you should follow some dos and don’ts that can help you have a smooth and enjoyable visit. Some of these are:
Do respect the local culture and customs and greet people with a smile and a namaste.
Do bargain well with the traders and vendors and try to get the best price for your purchases.
Do try out some of the local delicacies and specialties like litti chokha; sattu paratha; khaja; tilkut; malpua; etc.
Do watch some of the cultural performances and shows that showcase the talent and creativity of the artists and entertainers.
Do participate in some of the religious rituals and ceremonies that express your faith and devotion to God.
Don’t litter or pollute the environment and dispose of your waste properly.
Don’t harm or harass any animals or birds at the fair and treat them with kindness and care.
Don’t indulge in any illegal or immoral activities like gambling; drinking; smoking; drugs; etc.
Don’t get involved in any arguments or fights with anyone at the fair and avoid any trouble or conflict.
Sonepur Mela is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the largest cattle fair in Asia and experience the rich culture and heritage of Bihar. It is a place where you can see a variety of animals being traded in a huge market; watch various forms of folk art and entertainment from different parts of India; participate in various religious rituals and ceremonies that honor Lord Vishnu; and buy some unique and beautiful products and souvenirs that are made by local artisans and craftsmen. It is a place where you can have fun, learn, and explore.
Also check out: From Needles to Elephants
If you are planning to visit Sonepur Mela 2023, we hope that this article has given you all the information and tips that you need to make your trip a memorable one. We also hope that you will share your experiences and feedback with us and your friends and family. Sonepur Mela is a fair that you will never forget.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip now and get ready for an amazing adventure.
