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The famed cattle
fair is held at Sonepur, in Northern Bihar on the
banks of the River Ganga. . It is one Of the Asia's largest cattle fair. The full
moon day of the month of Kartik (November) is regarded as one of the most
auspicious days for the Hindus. Sonepur situated on the confluence of the
holy rivers Ganga and Gandak, has the reverence of a
blessed ground and lasts for a fortnight. In ancient times the Royal Rajahs
and Nawabs used to camp here. The Sonepue Fair has unique and historical
importance
A bath at the confluence and a visit to the Hariharnath
temple here is the aim for thousands of devotees on the Kartika Purnima day.
The sprawling mela ground here with the pulsating market has the
widest possible range of cattle and commodities. The array of shops sells all
sorts of merchandise. Sonepur Fair There lived a huge crocodile in this lake.
An elephant came with a herd to the tank to have a bath. The crocodile caught
the elephant's leg in the mighty jaw and tried to drag him into deep water.
The elephant gave a stiff resistance. The struggle continued for thousands
years and ultimately all the elephants and the crocodiles joined in the fight.
The elephant, beginning to weaken, prayed to the supreme god Sri Hari(Lord
Vishnu), to help him. His prayer was heard and Sri Hari saved him from the
grip of the crocodile in the presence of Hara and other gods.
It is said
that the due to the shouting of spectators as "Kaun Hara, Kaun
Hara" (Who is defeated) the bank is named as "Konhara".
only one of its kind where a large number of elephants are sold.
These are purchased mainly by forest departments. Apart from elephants, a
large number of cattle and horses are also brought to the fair for sale.
Various folk shows, games and jugglers can be seen in the fair.
- Latitude: 25.42 North
- Longitude: 85.13 East
- Temperature (Max./Min.) Deg
C: Summer
44/21 Winter 23/6
- Rainfall:120 cms
- Best Season: October to March
Harihar Temple : The Hariharnath temple
at Sonepur in Saran district is known for the great historical mythological fair
on Kartik Purnima day. It is attended by millions of devotees who take holy
bath in the river Shaligrami (known as Gandak) and worship in Harihar Temple. The village of Sonepur gets a new look
during the fair.
Sonepur has the legend that this was the actual place where, in
pre-historic times, the fight ended between the lords of the forest and the
water, Gaj and Grah- the elephant and the crocodile.
There lived a huge crocodile in this lake. An elephant came with
a herd to the tank to have a bath. The crocodile caught the elephant's leg in
the mighty jaw and tried to drag him into deep water. The elephant gave a
stiff resistance. The struggle continued for thousands years and ultimately
all the elephants and the crocodiles joined in the fight. The elephant,
beginning to weaken, prayed to the supreme god Sri Hari(Lord Vishnu), to help
him. His prayer was heard and Sri Hari saved him from the grip of the
crocodile in the presence of Hara and other gods.
It is said that the due to the shouting of spectators as
"Kaun Hara, Kaun Hara" (Who is defeated) the bank is named as
"Konhara".
Distance
Chart
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Air: Nearest Airport is Patna Airport which is approx 30 Kms
from sonepur. Patna is well connected by
air from adjacent big cites and metropolitan cities. There are Many flights
for patna.
- Rail: Hajipur Nearest Railway
Station is Hajipur which is zonal head. Here is also a reservation
counter. Hajipur is well connected by other cities of india.
- Road: Sonepur is well connected
by road to Patna (56 Kms), Muzaffarpur (36
Kms) and Hazipur (35 Kms)
Tourist Village: Tourist Village,
Sonepur Contact No-09430828188
Rooms
available: Swiss Cottage, Tent
Facilities:
Restaurant, Coach/Car Parking
Youth Hostel:
Room
available: Non-A/C Room (Dbl.), Dormitory Beds.
Facilities: Restaurant, Coach/Car
Parking
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