Sonepur Mela inaugurated

Patna,(BiharTimes): The age-old Sonepur Mela got off to a colourful start on Tuesday at Sonepur in Saran district. It was inaugurated by Tourism Minister of Bihar Sunil Kumar Pintoo.

Though rated as Asia’s largest cattle fair, the Mela organized at the confluence of rivers Gandak and Ganga, has of late, been losing some of its attraction. Elephants, horses, dogs, donkeys, ponies, rabbits, goats and other animals are sold here. It is also called as the Harihar Kshetra Mela as it begins during the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik.

Its origin is traced during the reign of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, who used to buy elephants and horses from across Ganga.

The month-long fair would end on December 26.

As in the past Swiss cottages blending rural ambiance with modern amenities have been arranged for foreign tourists. Reports suggest that most of them having a tariff of Rs 4,000 per day have already been booked.

Famous travel writer Sharell Cook of New York has also arrived to write exclusively on the mela, the organisers said.