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Restored revision 1027049048 by ItsSkV08 (talk): Unsourced

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{{Infobox recurring event
|native_name = Sonepur Mela, Harihar Kshetra Mela
|native_name_lang = hi
|genre = Religious
|image = Sonepur Famous Fair.jpeg
|caption = Sonepur Cattle Fair
|country = [[India]]
|participants = [[Hindu]]s
|begins = [[Kartik Poornima]]
|ends =
|frequency = Annually
|attendance = >2,500,000-3,000,000
|coordinates = {{coord|25.7|N|85.18|E|display=inline,title}}
|dates=November - December
|activity = Cultural Programs, Shopping, Regional and Indian Food, Quality Woolen and Kashmiri dresses, Adventurous Rides and many more.
|website=http://sonepurmela.co.in/}}

'''Sonepur Cattle Fair''' ({{lang-hi|सोनपुर पशु मेला}}) is held on [[Kartik Poornima]] (the full moon day) over the months of November and December in [[Sonepur, Bihar|Sonepur]], [[Bihar]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/sonepur-cattle-fair-turns-matchmaking-venue/article6588354.ece|title=Marriages made in Sonepur cattle fair|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107121621/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/sonepur-cattle-fair-turns-matchmaking-venue/article6588354.ece|archive-date=2017-11-07|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/sonepur2.html|title=Destinations :: Sonepur|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101192259/http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/sonepur2.html|archive-date=2017-11-01|df=}}</ref> on the confluence of river [[Ganges]]([[Gandak]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/sonepur-mela-kickstarts/articleshow/61471158.cms|title=Sonepur Mela kickstarts|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223231427/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/sonepur-mela-kickstarts/articleshow/61471158.cms|archive-date=2017-12-23|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Destinations :: Patna|url=http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/Patna.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918091228/http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/patna.htm|archive-date=2014-09-18|df=}}</ref> It is also known as Harihar Kshetra Mela and it attracts visitors from all over Asia. To date, it is the biggest cattle fair in Asia and usually lasts from between fifteen days to one month in duration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Sonepur-fair-losing-its-elephant-charm/articleshow/55422243.cms|title=Sonepur fair losing its elephant charm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611153644/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Sonepur-fair-losing-its-elephant-charm/articleshow/55422243.cms|archive-date=2017-06-11|df=}}</ref> It was historically started by the Suryawanshi Bais Kings of saran. The Sonepur Cattle Fair used to attract traders from places as far away as Central Asia. In 2018, the Fair started on the 21st of November and continued until the 22nd of December.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sonpur Mela 2018|url=https://www.sonpurmela.online
|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102173442/http://www.bihartourism.gov.in/Sonepur%20Mela/index.html|archive-date=2014-11-02|df=}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Lord Vishnu.jpeg|200px|thumb|[[Lord Vishnu]] with [[Elephant|Gaj]] and [[Crocodile|Grah]] ]]
Originally, the venue of the fair was [[Hajipur]] and only the performance of the puja used to take place at the Harihar Nath temple of Sonpur. However, under the rule of the Mughal Emperor [[Aurangzeb]], the venue of the fair got shifted to [[Sonpur, Bihar|Sonpur]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/special/the-gentle-giants-of-sonepur/20161205.htm|title=The gentle giants of Sonepur|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825145624/http://www.rediff.com/news/special/the-gentle-giants-of-sonepur/20161205.htm|archive-date=2017-08-25|df=}}</ref> The temple of Harihar Nath is believed to have been originally built by [[Lord Rama]], on his way to the court of [[King Janak]] to win the hand of [[Sita|Mata Sita]]. It is further said that Raja Man Singh later got the temple repaired. The Harihar Nath temple, as it stands today, was built by Raja Ram Narain, an influential person during the late Mughal period.<ref>[http://www.indobase.com/events/details/sonepur-cattle-fair.php Sonepur Cattle Fair 2007 - Sonepur Cattle Fair, India 2007 - Sonepur Cattle Fair Bihar, India 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209201547/http://www.indobase.com/events/details/sonepur-cattle-fair.php |date=2008-02-09 }}</ref>

Gajendhra Moksha legendnto an elephant and a crocodile respectively by the curse of great sages [[Agasthya]] and Dewala muni. One day the elephant's leg was caught by the [[crocodile]]. It is said that the location was in Nepal. It is said that both of them fought hard for many years with their herds and while fighting, they came to the place near this temple. But ultimately the King Elephant weakened and took the lotus flower from river in its trunk and prayed to the supreme god [[Vishnu]] (Hari) to save him. [[Vishnu]] heard his prayer and cut down the crocodile with his [[Chakra]]. But the touch of the chakra released Huhu from the curse. [[Vishnu]] also released Indrayamuna from his curse and took him to his abode [[Vaikuntha]].

Since Sonpur is situated at the convergence of the sacred rivers [[Ganges]] and [[Gandak]], the [[Hindus]] regard it as a holy site. One of the purposes of the people visiting the Sonpur Cattle Fair, apart from the fair, is to take a holy dip at the convergence and pay respects at the Hariharnath Temple.

==The Fair Trade==
[[File:Sonpur-Mela-2017.jpg|thumb|right|foreign tourists at sonpur mela fair]]
Many farm animals can be bought at the Sonpur mela from all breeds of [[dog]]s, [[bubalus|buffalo]]es, [[donkey]]s, [[pony|ponies]], Persian [[horse]]s, [[rabbit]]s, [[goats]] and even the occasional [[camel]]. Many varieties of [[bird]]s and [[poultry]] are also available. The area that attracts all, however, is the Haathi Bazaar where [[elephant]]s are lined up for sale. The Sonpur Fair is the only place where such a large number of [[elephant]]s are traded — although they cannot legally be sold. Numerous stalls are also set up at the grounds of the Sonpur Cattle Fair. Trade in elephants has been prohibited at Sonpur Mela since 2004 owing to strict enforcement of [[Wildlife Protection Act, 1972]] and further denial of transfer of ownership certificate to the elephant owners. One will find a wide variety of goods in these stalls, ranging from garments, to weapons and [[furniture]], [[toy]]s, [[food utensil|utensil]]s and [[agricultural]] implements, [[jewelry]] and [[handicraft]]s. A major attraction is the sight of numerous [[elephant]]s, beautifully decorated for the purpose of sale. In 2001, the number of elephants brought to Sonpur Mela was 92, 354 elephants in 2004,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/at-the-centuries-old-sonepur-cattle-fair-animals-are-no-longer-the-main-attraction-4205159.html|title=At the centuries-old Sonepur cattle fair, animals are no longer the main attraction|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113002637/http://www.firstpost.com/india/at-the-centuries-old-sonepur-cattle-fair-animals-are-no-longer-the-main-attraction-4205159.html|archive-date=2017-11-13|df=}}</ref> while in 2016, 13 elephants made it to the fair, only for display, not for sale. In 2017, there were 3 tuskers at the fair.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/tuskers-bid-adieu-to-sonepur-mela/articleshow/61521260.cms|title=Tuskers bid adieu to Sonepur Mela|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113153225/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/tuskers-bid-adieu-to-sonepur-mela/articleshow/61521260.cms|archive-date=2017-11-13|df=}}</ref>

A 'railgram' stall is set up by Railways,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jagran.com/bihar/vaishali-if-the-sonpur-mela-are-roaming-then-definitely-see-the-rall-village-exhibition-17024974.html|title=अगर सोनपुर मेला घूम रहे हैं तो रेल ग्राम प्रदर्शनी जरूर देखें|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114093150/http://www.jagran.com/bihar/vaishali-if-the-sonpur-mela-are-roaming-then-definitely-see-the-rall-village-exhibition-17024974.html|archive-date=2017-11-14|df=}}</ref> where toy train is also erected for children.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/agm-inaugurates-railgram-at-sonepur-fair/articleshow/61535616.cms|title=AGM inaugurates ‘Railgram’ at Sonepur fair|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113170819/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/agm-inaugurates-railgram-at-sonepur-fair/articleshow/61535616.cms|archive-date=2017-11-13|df=}}</ref> Sonpur Mela continues to attract foreign tourists who arrive with the motive of capturing various elements of rural settlement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Rustic-touch-of-Sonepur-Mela-attracts-foreigners/articleshow/49955254.cms|title=Rustic touch of Sonepur Mela attracts foreigners|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831110139/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Rustic-touch-of-Sonepur-Mela-attracts-foreigners/articleshow/49955254.cms|archive-date=2017-08-31|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1151127/jsp/bihar/story_55367.jsp|title=Through foreign eyes, Sonepur fares better Visitors say state's cattle mela mirrors real India more than Pushkar fair does|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825102702/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1151127/jsp/bihar/story_55367.jsp|archive-date=2017-08-25|df=}}</ref> Apart from the photo opportunity, elephants continue to lure most foreign tourists. Swiss cottages are set up by [[Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation]] (BSTDC) at the Sonpur fair,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/bihar/foreign-tourists-line-up-for-sonepur-fair-swiss-cottages-182088|title=Foreign tourists line up for Sonepur fair Swiss cottages|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025054/https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/bihar/foreign-tourists-line-up-for-sonepur-fair-swiss-cottages-182088|archive-date=2017-11-07|df=}}</ref> with facilities of Internet facility, motor boat ride in river Gandak, food at the tourist village and pre-paid taxis from [[Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport|Patna Airport]] to Sonpur fair.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Swiss-cottages-at-Sonepur-fair-a-tourist-delight/articleshow/3748554.cms|title=Swiss cottages at Sonepur fair a tourist delight|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223231435/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Swiss-cottages-at-Sonepur-fair-a-tourist-delight/articleshow/3748554.cms|archive-date=2017-12-23|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1130913/jsp/bihar/story_17344110.jsp|title=Swiss cottages to cost more|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020135831/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1130913/jsp/bihar/story_17344110.jsp|archive-date=2017-10-20|df=}}</ref> Disneyland park is set up during the Sonpur Mela.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/2-days-on-govt-stalls-yet-to-open-at-sonepur-mela/articleshow/61510940.cms|title=2 days on, govt stalls yet to open at Sonepur Mela|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223231156/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/2-days-on-govt-stalls-yet-to-open-at-sonepur-mela/articleshow/61510940.cms|archive-date=2017-12-23|df=}}</ref>

==Info==
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right;
|-
!colspan="7"|'''Harihar Kshetra Sonpur Mela in Official Records'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/bihar/other-cities/only-three-elephant-reached-in-sonepur-fair-till-now/articleshow/61516684.cms|title=बिहार: सोनपुर पशु मेले में अब तक सिर्फ 3 हाथी पहुंचे|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107020112/https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/bihar/other-cities/only-three-elephant-reached-in-sonepur-fair-till-now/articleshow/61516684.cms|archive-date=2017-11-07|df=}}</ref>
|-
! Year!! Elephants!! Horses!! Ox
|-
| 2001|| 92 || 15,035 || 1,00,000
|-
| 2004|| 354 || 15,035 || 1,32,754
|-
| 2007|| 77|| 8,580 || 8,186
|-
| 2014|| 39|| 5,580 || 1,00,000
|-
| 2015|| 17|| 4,580|| 1,00,000
|-
| 2016|| 13|| 4,020|| 1,00,000
|-
| 2017|| 3 || 5,400|| 1,00,000
|}

'''Duration''': One Month (approximately in Month of November — December)<ref>{{cite web|title=Sonpur mela |url=https://www.biharsuperfastkhabar.com/2020/05/sonpur-mela-2020.html}}</ref>

'''Cycle''': Yearly

In 2013, the Fair started on November 16 and continued till December 15.<ref name="bp1">{{cite web|title=World Famous Sonepur Cattle Fair to begin on November 16|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/10/world-famous-sonepur-cattle-fair-to-begin-on-november-16/|work=Biharprabha News|access-date=20 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026081133/http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/10/world-famous-sonepur-cattle-fair-to-begin-on-november-16/|archive-date=26 October 2013|df=}}</ref>

2018 Sonpur Harihar Kshetra Mela will commence from 21 November and finish on 22 December.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/sonepur-mela-to-be-a-32-day-affair/articleshow/60249505.cms|title=Sonepur Mela to be a 32-day affair|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906190221/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/sonepur-mela-to-be-a-32-day-affair/articleshow/60249505.cms|archive-date=2017-09-06|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prabhatkhabar.com/news/vaishali/story/1043888.html|title=इस बार 32 दिनों का होगा हरिहर क्षेत्र सोनपुर मेला|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825103337/http://www.prabhatkhabar.com/news/vaishali/story/1043888.html|archive-date=2017-08-25|df=}}</ref> It will be for 32 days. The fair will include events like boat racing, Dangal, water surfing, Water Bath Canning.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jagran.com/bihar/vaishali-harihar-kshetra-mela-will-for-32-days-16596083.html|title=इस बार 32 दिनों का होगा हरिहर क्षेत्र मेला|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825103639/http://www.jagran.com/bihar/vaishali-harihar-kshetra-mela-will-for-32-days-16596083.html|archive-date=2017-08-25|df=}}</ref>

==Transportation==
[[File:Sonepur station.jpeg|200px|thumb|[[Sonpur railway station]]]]
[[Sonpur, Bihar|Sonpur]] is easily accessible by Roadways and Railways. Moreover, it is only 25 kilometers from Bihar's Capital [[Patna]], which is well connected by Airways, Railways and Roadways to the other parts of the country. During the time of Fair, [[Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation|BSTDC]] also organizes Ferries from Patna to Sonpur.
There are various taxi and car rental services that provide private transport to expats, tourists, with driver to Sonpur mela and back.
<ref>{{cite web|title=How to reach Sonepur Town?|url=http://www.explorebihar.in/how-to-reach-sonepur-town.html|access-date=4 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125002026/http://www.explorebihar.in/how-to-reach-sonepur-town.html|archive-date=25 November 2013|df=}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Pushkar Fair]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na0j1JIXMuE Sonpur Fair Documentary]
* [http://www.sonepurcattlefair.com Official website of Sonepur Mela]
* [http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/Destinations/SonepurFair.htm Some Pictures of the Fair]

[[Category:Fairs in India]]
[[Category:Culture of Bihar]]
[[Category:Saran district]]

Sonepur Cattle Fair - Revision history

imported>Apparition11: Restored revision 1027049048 by ItsSkV08 (talk): Unsourced