DM Kundan Kumar of saran stressed the need to develop a dedicated zone at Sonepur to make the biggest annual cattle fair of Asia more attractive.

A permanent campus on the confluence of the Ganga and the Gandak would be beneficial for the fair, also known as 'Harihar Kshetra Mela', as its area has been shrinking due to the buildings constructed by the locals, he said.

Addressing the valedictory function of the fair on Tuesday, the DM congratulated the Saran and Vaishali administrations for maintaining law and order, especially in the backdrop of terrorist threat. "It was a remarkable achievement that no case was registered in Sonepur during the monthlong fair," he said.

 Principal secretary, tourism department, B Pradhan asserted that mahaarati, mushaira and Swiss cottages were the centres of attraction this year. Praising the efforts of 'community police' comprising teenagers led by Rajeev Munmun, Pradhan announced to give tracksuits to all its 500 volunteers.

Chief secretary A K Sinha also praised the team effort of the government officials and local citizens. He congratulated the tourism department for making the fair vibrant. He felicitated the government officials associated with the fair.

As per the folklores, the fair venue was initially at Hajipur and only the puja rituals along with the sacred dip at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak used to take place at the Harihar Nath Temple, Sonepur. According to Hindu mythology, the temple was built by Lord Ram on his way to the court of King Janak. Since then, several local legends have been associated with the place and the temple. Of them, the clash between 'Gaj' (the elephant) and 'Graha' (the crocodile) is the most prominent one. Later, under Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, the fair venue was shifted to Sonepur. Though livestock trade has been the mainstay of Sonepur fair, it also boasts of entertainment with religious and culinary delights.












source : TNN