Patna: The world famous Sonepur Cattle Fair is beginning from today in Bihar.
The mela is held every year on ‘Kartik Poornima' (full moon) in the month of November in Sonepur on the confluence of river Ganga and Gandak.
The fair is organized by the state Tourism Department in collaboration with the district administrations of Saran and Vaishali districts. It is expected that more than 25 lakh tourists and pilgrims, including about 250 foreigners, will visit the mela this year.
For the first time, a fashion show will be organized at the fair. National Institute of Fashion Technology, Patna will organize the show.
State Tourism Minister Jawaid Iqbal Ansari informed that on every Tuesday and Saturday, during mela period, 'Maha Aarti' will be performed on the confluence of Ganga and Gandak.
Around 24 departments of the Bihar government will put up stalls at the fair venue. The total budget for the fair is around Rs 3 crore as against the last year's budget of Rs 1.5 crore.
The event attracts visitors from all over Asia.
Last year, the fair started on November 16 and continued till December 15.
