Sonepur Mela

Sonepur Mela, also known as Harihar Kshetra Mela, is a historic month-long fair held at Sonepur in Saran district, Bihar, at the confluence of the Gandak and Ganga rivers. Considered one of Asia's largest cattle fairs, it begins on Kartik Purnima (November-December) and combines livestock trading, religious bathing, and cultural activities. Centered around the Hariharnath Temple, it attracts traders, pilgrims and tourists from across India.

Visitors can expect a vast temporary fairground spread along the river confluence with enclosures for cattle, horses, buffaloes and other livestock, rows of handicraft and handloom stalls, food vendors, amusement rides and cultural stages. The central focus is the Hariharnath Temple and the ritual bath at the Gandak-Ganga confluence on Kartik Purnima. The site is open and flat, very crowded especially in the first week, with temporary tented accommodation, markets and folk performances throughout the fair period.

Sonepur Mela has ancient origins traditionally traced to the Mauryan period and is believed to have been patronized by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya for procurement of elephants and horses. It later continued under Mughal patronage, with Emperor Aurangzeb said to have encouraged the fair. Historically it served as a major trading centre for livestock from across India and was renowned for elephant trading.

The fair is held at Harihar Kshetra, revered as the confluence of the Gandak and Ganga rivers. Pilgrims take a holy bath on Kartik Purnima and worship at the Hariharnath Temple, where Hari (Vishnu) and Har (Shiva) are worshipped together. The event combines religious observance, rural commerce and folk culture, representing the agrarian and devotional traditions of Bihar.