Detailed Information about Sonepur Mela & Its Importance

India has a long standing tradition of fair trades which display the culture of the diverse communities in the country through the arts and crafts. But in addition to trading of crafts, there is another kind of fair that is in existence. And on a beautiful full moon night which is also known as the poornima in India, a fair known as the Sonepur Mela or the Sonepur cattle fair is held. Most years, this day falls on a November and always takes places on the banks where the rivers Ganga and Gandak merge. There are many people who visit this trade for fun and frolic but it is mostly popular with those who belong to Asian countries. It is often quoted to be one of the grandest cattle fairs in the continent and it can go on for as long as a fortnight. In the years that it has existed, it has evolved into an exquisite celebration of what is unique to India and maybe a few other Asian nations.

There is little restriction on the kind of animals that can be brought to this fair. They include buffaloes, donkeys, monkeys, horses, camels, buffaloes, and much more. Cats, rabbits, bears, goats and sheep are also welcome to join. In addition to these, some people also bring their pet fish to the fair. Although, this is mostly a display show, sometimes, some animals are also put up for sale but not if the animal is endangered. Elephants are one of those animals which are always on sale and they sell by a large number at this trade. But in addition to the animals which are on display, there are several other attractions on this day. For instance, some people put up stores for clothes and jewellery and also crafts that are unique to their state. And one of the biggest things that draw people to this show is the display of an elephant that is decorated with jewellery. Sometimes, this elephant is purchased by people. Preparations for this day begin right from January because people need to be on the lookout for a full moon night that is precise. They emphasise on the full moon because it is considered to be auspicious for celebration and for prosperity.

Historically speaking, this fair has a lot of significance. In many of the memoirs of the British colonist who'd lived in this region, the Sonepur mela is mentioned. It is also recorded that more than 40 villages had celebrated this day. Originally, this fair had more religious significance than commercial or mercantile. But then, over time, with the evolution of time and culture, people began to realise that there is no harm in having a little bit of fun with worship. The temple of Harihar Nath is where all the prayers and the worship take place before the celebrations begin and after the show if over. Also, a large part of the earnings of the tradesmen goes to the temple for charity. This temple is believed to have been built by Lord Ram himself.