Sonpur Mela Ground
The Terrain du Mela de Sonpur is a large fairground where an annual animal and trade event takes place over several weeks, attracting thousands of visitors from across Asia. The site features dedicated areas for trading elephants, horses, cattle, buffalo and other livestock, alongside marketplace sections selling handicrafts, jewelry, clothing and tools.
The fair originated centuries ago during the reign of the Suryawanshi Bais Kings as a trading post where merchants from Central Asia brought animals for commerce. Over time the event expanded, and its location shifted from the original site in Hajipur to its current position in Sonepur, where Raja Man Singh later restored the nearby temple.
The name reflects the meeting of two sacred rivers, the Ganges and the Gandak, a location Hindus consider spiritually important. The site displays a blend of religious devotion and commerce, where visitors witness ornately decorated animals and colorful market stalls alongside temple visits and ritual bathing.
The site is accessible by train from stations in Sonepur, Hajipur or Patna, or by car from the airport in Patna about 31 kilometers away. The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation provides accommodations, river boat rides, food stalls and visitor facilities to enhance the experience.
Although elephants were traditionally displayed and sold in the Haathi Bazaar section, elephant trading has been legally prohibited since 2004, yet the animals are still decorated and lined up for display purposes. This blend of historical practice and modern regulation makes the spectacle unique, where visitors witness how centuries-old traditions adapt to contemporary legal boundaries.
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