Sonepur Mela, also known as the Harihar Kshetra Mela, is one of the biggest cattle fairs in Asia, held every year in Sonepur, Bihar. This historic fair takes place on the banks of the Ganga and Gandak rivers and begins on Kartik Purnima (full moon day in November), attracting lakhs of visitors from across India and abroad. The fair is known for its grand scale, cultural richness, and spiritual significance.
Originally famous for the trading of elephants, horses, and livestock, Sonepur Mela has now become a mix of tradition, commerce, and entertainment. While elephant trading is now restricted, the fair still features buffaloes, camels, bulls, and a wide variety of goods including handicrafts, rural products, clothes, toys, and food stalls.
The event also hosts folk performances, magic shows, religious discourses, and a huge number of devotees visiting the Hariharnath Temple. From spiritual seekers to travelers looking for authentic cultural experiences, Sonepur Mela offers something for everyone.
If you're planning to explore a unique traditional fair in 2025, Sonepur Mela is a must-visit destination that beautifully blends heritage, culture, and local life in the heart of Bihar.
Date & Venue of Sonpur Mela 2025
The Sonepur Mela 2025 will be held in Sonepur, located in the Saran district of Bihar, on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima, which falls on November 5th, 2025. Set on the scenic banks of the Ganga and Gandak rivers, the fair begins on this full moon day and continues for several weeks, drawing visitors, traders, and devotees from all over India.
History of Sonpur Mela 2025 Cattle Fair
If the legends are to be believed then, once upon a time Sonepur was a battleground of the never-ending fight of Gaj and Grah i.e. the elephant and the crocodile. As per the story, the elephant had come to bathe in the lake and that was when a crocodile, who was hiding in the water all this time, grabbed one of the elephant’s legs.
It is said that the struggle to break free from the crocodile's grip had lasted for years. And in his weak moments, the elephant had prayed to Lord Vishnu to save him. It was only after a lot of praying and devotion that Lord Vishnu himself saved the elephant.
Historical Background of Sonepur Mela
Historically, the origins of this fair can be traced back to the reign of King Chandragupta Maurya. Yes, this is so because he used to buy elephants and horses across the holy river, the Ganges. It is said that during that particular time, Sonepur used to be just a religious site, and the fair used to be held at Hajipur. However, all of this changed during the rule of Aurangzeb and since then, this place has been the venue for this fair.
Major Attractions of Sonepur Mela Cattle Fair 2025
- Asia’s largest cattle trading zone featuring a wide variety of animals like horses, camels, buffaloes, goats, and more
- Decorated elephants on display at the traditional Haathi Bazaar
- A massive rural market selling handicrafts, garments, tools, household goods, toys, and local sweets
- Folk dance performances, live music, nautanki shows, and magic acts
- Thrilling entertainment zones with circus shows and the famous “Well of Death” stunt arena
- Religious rituals including holy dips at the Ganga-Gandak confluence and visits to the historic Hariharnath Temple
- Amusement park area with toy trains, motorboat rides, food stalls, and a mini Disneyland-style setup
- Special events like wrestling matches, tug-of-war, kabaddi, football, and boat races
- Accommodation in Swiss tents and cottages provided by the Bihar State Tourism Department
- Daily cultural nights featuring regional music, dance, and traditional storytelling
How to Reach Sonepur Fair 2025
Sonepur Mela is a very interesting event to explore. In the state of Bihar Sonepur Mela sometimes also referred to as Sonpur Mela and Harihar Kshetra Mela happens on the confluence of Ganges. Let’s discuss how you can reach here via the following routes.
By Air
The nearest airport is the Patna Airport (PAT) which is situated at an approximate distance of about 30 km. Patna Airport, also known as Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport is considered the 16th busiest airport in India.
And to further meet the overall demands, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) has been working for expanding this airport’s infrastructural facilities.
Many airlines like Vistara Airlines, Spicejet, IndiGo, and Go Air operate to and fro Patna with good connectivity with cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai. After you deboard at the airport, you can easily take a cab.
By Train
You will need to deboard at the Sonpur Junction. There are a total number of four platforms at this station and have been connected with about 4 foot-over bridges. In 2011, the overall length of these platforms was increased so that they could accommodate 24 train coaches at a time. Here is how you can reach Sonpur via the following places.
- Delhi - Board Bihar S Kranti or Vaishali Express from New Delhi Railway Station and deboard at Sonpur Junction
- Lucknow - Board Shaheed Express via Aishbagh Junction and deboard at Sonpur Junction
- Kanpur - Board Vaishali Express via Kanpur Central station and deboard at Sonpur Junction
- Ranchi - Board Maurya Express via Ranchi Junction and deboard at Sonpur Junction
- Ludhiana - Board Maur Dhawaj Express via Ludhiana Junction and deboard at Sonpur Junction
After getting off the train at Sonpur Junction, you will need to take a cab or some other means of transportation like a bus.
By Road
Sonpur is well connected with other cities via road networks. Here is how you can reach Sonepur via roads. Depending upon your location you can either take a cab or a bus to travel here.
- Delhi - 1,070 km via Agra Lucknow Expressway
- Lucknow - 518 km via NH27
- Ghaziabad - 1,045 km via NH19
- Dehradun - 1,274 km via NH27
Conclusion
Sonepur Mela is a true celebration of India’s rich cultural tapestry, seamlessly blending age-old traditions with the energy of modern festivities. From sacred rituals to lively trade, every corner of the mela brims with experiences that are both spiritually uplifting and commercially vibrant. It’s not just an event; it’s a living, breathing spectacle that reflects the resilience and diversity of India’s heritage, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sonepur Mela
Q1: Why is Sonepur Mela famous?
A1: Sonepur Mela is famous for being Asia’s largest cattle fair, where elephants, horses, livestock, and goods are traded. It also features cultural events, spiritual gatherings, and traditional entertainment.
Q2: What is the duration of Sonepur Mela?
A2: The duration of Sonepur Mela is typically 15 to 30 days, starting from Kartik Purnima (full moon in November) and continuing for several weeks.
Q3: Which district is Sonepur Mela in?
A3: Sonepur Mela is held in Saran district of Bihar, near the town of Sonepur.
Q4: Which railway station is near to Sonepur Mela?
A4: The nearest railway station to Sonepur Mela is Sonepur Junction (SEE), which is well connected to major cities in Bihar and beyond.
Q5: How far is Sonepur Junction from Patna Junction?
A5: Sonepur Junction is approximately 22 kilometers from Patna Junction, and it takes around 30–45 minutes by train or road, depending on traffic and connectivity.
