Asia’s Grand Fiesta: A Case Study Of Sonpur Cattle Fair,Bihar
Dissertation submitted to the Indira Gandhi National Open University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Master degree in Tourism Management. I hereby declare that this is my original work and has not been submitted or copied from elsewhere.
Signature of the Candidate
Name of the Candidate: MADHAV KUMAR
ADDRESS : VIL-PACHAMBA, PO-SUHIRDNAGAR,
DIST-BEGUSARAI, 851218, BIHAR
Email ID & Contact : madhavmtm@gmail.com +91-9534969931
Date of Submission :10-November-2014
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CONTENTS Sonpur Cattle Fair Bihar
- Introduction
- Cultural tourism in India
- History
- Astrological Aspect
- Ritual Bath
- Geography
- Attraction in Sonpur Cattle Fair
- 1. Dog Show 17
2. Elephants still Sold 18
3. The 'Chiriya Bazaar'(bird market) 20
4. Sonepur Fair Holy Bath 22
5. Devotees at Harihar Nath Temple 24 Sonpur Mela Theater Dance
- 8. Practicalities
- Role of Government
- Sonepur Fair Location and Accommodation
- . Sonepur Paryatak Gram Tariff 2014
- Sonepur Mela from November
- When is Best to Visit?
Things to see 41
EAT 42
DRINK 43
WHAT TO PURCHASE 44
Reference 47
Conclusion
Introduction
Festivals are very important in the history of human being. It gives peace and breaks the monotony of the people. In India there are numerous festivals. In Maharashtra National festivals are celebrated but with many other festivals. Sonpur Harihar kshetra Mela is very important which have long history. Sonpur: Harihar kshetra Mela has unique place in the culture of Bihar. In recent years festivals are a being used for promoting tourism. It helps in boosting the economy. This time-limited event encourages visitors to visit the place during the event. During the event, visitors have a unique chance to interact with the local community, gaining a deeper experience of the ambience customs and local culture.
Cultural tourism is one of the important branches of tourism. The World Tourism Organization suggests that more than 40% of all international tourists are “cultural tourists” (Richards, 1996). The Travel Industry Association of America has estimated that two-thirds of U.S. adults visit a cultural or heritage site or attraction when they travel (Silberberg, 1995). Based on this data, it has been argued that cultural tourists represent a new type of mass tourist who seeks meaningful travel experiences (McKercher and Du Cros, 2003). The festivals, traditions, culture attracts tourist to visit the place. Yeoman (2004) says that festivals can lengthen tourist seasons, extend peak season or introduce a “new season” into a community. Events such as festivals do not only serve to attract tourists but also help to develop or maintain a community or regional identity.
Cultural tourism has been defined as 'the movement of persons to cultural attractions away from their normal place of residence, with the intention to gather new information and experiences to satisfy their cultural needs' The study of festivals and events is now an important and prolific area of tourism research enquiry. Festivals and events have flourished in recent decades and interest in understanding their significance in the tourism academy has risen accordingly. The festivals have changed over the years, before festivals were associated with key calendar moments, linked specifically to particular seasons and heritage sites. Over the last decade these have been changed and developed upon, there is now a broad and diverse range of festivals events taking place all over the world. Getz (1997, p.1) introduces festivals events as a: “Events constitute one of the most exciting and fastest growing forms of leisure, business, and tourism-related phenomena.”
According to Dictionary of Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Terms published in 1996 “Cultural tourism: General term referring to leisure travel motivated by one or more aspects of the culture of a particular area.” ('Dictionary of Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Terms', 1996).
Cultural tourism in India
India has long history and culture with diversity. The Indians celebrate the various fairs and festivals. The rites and the rituals followed by the Indians, the enthusiasm and faith that are constant features add to the charm of the fairs and festivals. Most the Indian festivals are regional, seasonal or religious. The unity of the diverse country like India can be seen at the national festivals of the Republic day (26th January), Independence Day (15th August), Gandhi Jayanti i.e. the birth anniversary of the father of the nation (2nd October) and Children's Day i.e. the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru (14th November).
There is a big list of the religious festivals that are celebrated in India. In the secular country of India people light up their homes with as many lights on Diwali as on Christmas, the fireworks are as loud as on Onam. The colors of Holi are spread across the castes and creeds. Hindus commemorate the birth anniversaries of their deities as Ram Navami, Maha Shivratri, Janam Ashtami similarly, the Sikhs remember their gurus on Gurpurab. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan an unspoken pledge is exchanged between, a brother and sister cementing their fraternal relationship. There is another list of seasonal fairs and festivals that are celebrated across India. Teej celebrates the onset monsoon. The Ganguar fair and the festival of Baisakhi are held in the harvest season. Down south the people perform the seasonal ayyappa pooja. The harvest festival of Assam is Rongali Bihu, when unbounded joy and enthusiasm is expressed through intoxicating songs and dances. Famous dance festival of Konark in Orissa and Khauraho temples of Madhya Pradesh Surajkund Crafts Fair, Kunbh Mela at Haridwar and Nashik, Rath Yatra at Jagannath Puri add to the cultural tourism in India.
With many other tourism destinations makes Bihar one of the most visited states in India, in turn makingBihar a tourism hot-spot too. The state has a well-developed social, physical and industrial infrastructure. The state celebrates many festivals that are great tourist attractions, the most famous being Chhath Puja The festival of Chhath Puja is one of the important festival in Bihar. It has historical and political importance
History
The Sonepur Cattle Fair or Sonepur is held on Kartik Poornima (the full moon day) in the month of November in Sonepur, Bihar, on the confluence of river Ganga and Gandak. It is also known as Harihar Kshetra Mela and it attracts visitors from all over Asia. Till date, it is the biggest cattle fair of Asia and stretches on from fifteen days to one month.It has its origins during ancient times. This is when Chandragupta Maurya used to buy elephants and horses across the river Ganges. The Sonepur Cattle Fair once used to attract traders from places as distant as Central Asia.
The Sonepur mela has a profound historic grandeur. According to the travelogue of a British administrative officer, W W Hynter, in 1919, the Sonepur mela used to be held in over 43 villages in the past.It has its origins during ancient times. This is when Chandragupta Maurya used to buy elephants and horses across the river Ganges. The mela used to attract traders from places as distant as Central Asia. Originally, the venue of the fair was Hajipur and only the performance of the puja used to take place at the Harihar Nath temple of Sonepur. However, under the rule of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the venue of the fair got shifted to Sonepur. The temple of Harihar Nath is believed to have been originally built by Lord Rama, on his way to the court of King Janak to win the hand of Mata Sita. It is further said that Raja Man Singh later got the temple repaired. The Harihar Nath temple, as it stands today, was built by Raja Ram Narain, an influential person during the late Mughal period.
Astrological Aspect
Gajendhra Moksha legend is associated with the temple in Sonepur. It involves the story of king Indrayamuna and the Gandharva chief Huhu, who were turned into an elephant and a crocodile respectively by the curse of great sages Agasthya and Dewala muni. One day the elephant's leg was caught by the crocodile.It is said that the location was in Nepal. It is said that both of them fought hard for many years with their herds and while fighting, they came to the place near this temple. But ultimately the King Elephant weakened and took the lotus flower from river in its trunk and prayed to the supreme god Vishnu (Hari) to save him. Vishnu heard his prayer and cut down the crocodile with his Chakra. But the touch of the chakra released Huhu from the curse. Vishnu also released Indrayamuna from his curse and took him to his abode Vaikuntha. Since Sonepur is situated at the convergence of the sacred rivers Ganges and Gandak, the Hindus regard it as a holy site.
Ritual Bath
One of the purposes of the people visiting the Sonepur Cattle Fair, apart from the fair, is to take a holy dip at the convergence and pay respects at the Hariharnath Temple. What really made the Fair remarkable and memorable is witnessing crowds of pilgrims taking holy bath at sunrise on Kartik Purnima (a particularly auspicious full moon), where the Ganges and Gandak rivers meet, to purify themselves and wash away any negativity.
Geography
The town is located at 25.7°N 85.1832°E at an altitude of 42 meters (137 ft).
The river Gandak must have been the route of the movement of Buddha and his followers from Nepal Tarai to Magadh that is why many of the stupas and similar structures, including Ashoka pillars, are found on the banks of the river. The location of Pathar ki Maszid just opposite the meeting point of the gandak, that is southern bank of the Ganges, shows the Muslim influence of trade and commerce in medieval times. The current township Patna is just the modern version of the makeshift headquarters of military establishments of old Patna city which in turn was later version of Patliputra, the capital of Maurya Empire.
Of the ten railway stations in the world having the longest railway platforms, Sonepur being on the 8th (and 2nd longest at the time of construction) longest platform in the world at 2,415 ft (736 m). It is connected by two rivers, the Ganges and the Gandak.
FAIR AREA
Attraction in Fair
Animal Shows
With traditional sports like horse racing and dog show part of the fair, this year para-gliding is an added attraction. The fair organised by the Tourism department is also known for its theatre and folk dances.
More than 600 theatre artists from Kolkata, Varanasi, Delhi and Assam have arrived here, the organisers said. Stalls selling electronic goods and gadgets have come up at the fair which was inaugurated by Revenue minister Ramai Ram.
The fair originates from the times when Emperor Chandragupta Maurya used to buy elephants and horses from across the Ganga.
Bihar Government has elaborated the Security and Safety Arrangements for World famous Sonepur Cattle Fair and expects several Million Visitors this year. The Fair would continue till December 17 and would witness a large number of Foreign Tourists during the first 15 days. Authorities are expecting around 7 Lakhs of visitors on the very first day of the Fair.
With the state witnessing serial blasts in Patna and earlier in BodhGaya, strict security arrangements have been made and 20 temporary police stations have been opened for the fair. Large Number of Policemen have been deployed at various sites near Fair Ground and on the Banks of River Gandak.
Professional Divers have been deployed at various Ghats where the Holy Bathing would take place. Local Administration has banned any Vehicular Traffic on the two Bridges on the River Gandak. Vaishali police have made adequate security arrangements, deploying cops both in uniform and mufti at the venue.
Policemen have been equipped with hand metal detectors to frisk visitors at the fair. The police were also patrolling in boats in the river.
The Inauguration ceremony would witness a Kathak performance by famous dancer Aditya Mangal Das, followed by Blue Light Dance from Bhubaneshwar and singing of Bihar Anthem. Cultural Program would be organized every evening throughout the fair. Ramleela and discourses would be organized at famous Baba Hariharnath Temple for the whole month.
Around 30 departments of Bihar Government would also put up stalls at the Fair Venue.
BSTDC has erected 20 Swiss Cottages for the convenience of Tourists visiting the Fair. These Cottages provide Star Hotel Facilities and are priced around Rs 5000-7000 per night.
To woo tourists, Administration has made arrangements for Aqua Sports, Adventure Sports, Boat Racing, Horse Racing, Camel Race and Kabbadi. These events would take place throughout the month. Authorities have spent over Rs. 15 Millions for providing facilities for visitors, beautification of fair venue and other necessary arrangements.
BSTDC has initiated massive campaigns for wooing tourists from other parts of the country. Several Hoardings and Banners have been put up at IGI Airport New Delhi and in Delhi Metro. Advertisements have been put in Air India’s in-flight magazine ‘Shubh Yatra’, in TV Channels and in cinema halls.
Dog Market
Retail Price of Dogs
1
Pamodian
4 to 6 thousand
2
Dalmisian
8 to 16 thousand
3
Lebra
10 to 16 thousand
4
Set Brnal
45 to 50 thousand
5
Goldmistik
28 to 30 thousand
6
Boxsr
15 to 18 thousand
7
Golden Litivr
8 to 10 thousand
8
German Sefard
10 to 12 thousand
9
Dobrman
12 to 14 thousand
Elephants still sold
Sonepur Mela [fair]: ever wondered if the sale of elephants is not permitted by law, exactly why do they turn up in hordes at the Sonepur fair? According to the mahouts and the owners, the idea is to put them up for display. But a recent press report has revealed that elephants are still being sold at the Sonepur fair but only as ‘land’. Notably, elephant trade is a punishable offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1992 (amended in 2006).
The report goes on to explain the mechanism of the trade as follows – the first method is naïve and transparent – the owner simply donates the animal to the buyer as charity. This free gift may cost as much as 15-20 lakhs. The other method is a bit more complex – the elephant is shown as a piece of land on the stamp paper and then business as usual! The adults are quite expensive but the elephant calves go for half the price, between Rs 6 -10 lakhs.
Although the new symbols of rural wealth have already replaced the ownership of elephants to a great extent, the tradition still continues among the feudal element who maintain the elephants along the new symbols – Scorpios and Boleros! The interesting thing however is while the proud owners display their names loudly on flex boards, they were found to be mostly missing from the scene, just in case they get into trouble with the police. Trading and haggling now has to be done by the mahouts.
The 'Chiriya Bazaar'(bird market)
The 'Chiriya Bazaar'(bird market) is a small bazaar where birds (and other animals) can be legally bought. A parrot can be bought for Rs 350(2013 prices). A cage for the parrot costs about the same amount as well. Parrots, guinea pigs, dogs, pheasants, and a wide variety of small birds are sold here.
Sonepur Fair Holy Bath
However, what really made the Fair remarkable and memorable for me was witnessing crowds of pilgrims taking holy bath at sunrise on Kartik Purnima (a particularly auspicious full moon), where the Ganges and Gandak rivers meet, to purify themselves and wash away any negativity.
At around 5 a.m., head down to the river bank and hire one of the many boats that are lined up there. For 150 rupees (if you negotiate well), a boatman will slowly take you up and down the river for a couple of hours while you remain enthralled by the activities going on along the waterfront.
Pilgrims pray and bathe amidst a background of chanting and the heady aroma of incense. Yet, it's the presence of ghost slayers and tantriks (performers of black magic) that really make it other worldly. The tantriks carry out their captivating and rather disturbing rituals to the intense and rhythmic beat of drums, as their eyes roll back in their heads, to ward off evil spirits. I sat mesmerized, as they led one devotee after another into the water to rid them of their problems. Despite living in India for nearly seven years and traveling extensively, I'd never seen a tantrik before. And, I admit, what I'd witnessed left me feeling a little uneasy but in awe of yet another part of India's mystical culture. (Are the tantriks real or just acting? That's for you to decide!).
In my view, if you miss this riverside spectacle, you're missing out on the heart of the festival and may even find your festival experience to be unfulfilling. As an Indian photographer remarked to me, "It won't be possible to see these kind of rituals in 10 years, as India is modernizing at such a rapid rate."
Tips: While you may be tempted to simply remain on the river bank and view the bathing from there, don't. It's much more powerful if watched from the river! Elephants also have an early morning bath in the river with pilgrims, and are a sight to behold. The boatmen will take you to where it happens. (Unfortunately, I didn't see it when I visited the Fair, as a change in the course of the river sadly prevented it from taking place for the first time ever). Do be aware that the reality of India means that sanitary conditions are very poor near the river, so watch where you walk.
Devotees at Harihar Nath Temple
The Harihar Nath Temple in Sonepur, devoted to Lord Vishnu, is also popularly visited by pilgrims during the night and early morning of Kartik Purnima, after they've taken their holy bath. It's worth going there to see them flock to the temple with offerings of pots filled with holy water. So numerous in numbers, they're held back by police barricades.
In stark contrast to these pious religious activities, "theater" performances are the highlight of nighttime entertainment for men at the Fair. Scantily clad women (commonly brought in from Kolkata and Mumbai ) dance provocatively to music at various makeshift indoor stages across the fair grounds. Shows generally get underway from 10 p.m.
SONPUR MELA THEATER DANCE
When it gets dark the facades of the large theatres staging dance shows light up. Soon queues of excited men form at the entrances and security guards with wooden sticks keep them in order. Men with tickets in their hands impatiently wait to see young girls dancing on the stage. After 6pm the gates open and everybody rushes to get best seats – closer to the stage means being closer to the girls.
A barbed wired fence separates the stage from rows of battered chairs. Around 8pm the show finally starts. Bollywood songs are played on full volume and the excitement culminates. A large group of 20-30 girls’ dances on the stage to the music of Indian hits – you see mostly young faces, heavy make-ups and colorful, mainly Western clothing. Some girls move without any enthusiasm, clearly not enjoying being on the stage, while others are really into it – dancing, singing and interacting with the public.
Reactions of the onlookers are also different – some have reserved and indifferent looks, others watch with eyes and mouth wide open, and others enthusiastically shout and dance on their chairs and pass money to their favorite girls. Numerous mobile phones film the whole performance to enjoy the show again and again later and share it with friends. The whole spectacle runs for Hours, starts again on the next night and goes on for the whole duration of the Sonpur Fair.
Practicalities
Sonepur mela is held in the Sonepur village; 30km north of Patna, Bihar, along the single lane un-maintained chronically crowded Mahatma Gandhi Bridge over the Ganga river. Due to the narrow road and heavy traffic, even at 4am in the morning, it takes more than 2 hours to cover the 30km from Patna to Sonepur. It is safe to travel any time of the day or night. The traffic and crowds will keep you safe. Take usual precautions.
There is no good accomodation around Sonepur and it is not practical to travel to/from Patna as the round trip can take 4 hours. Hotel Anamika in the nearby town of Hajipur is highly recommended by many but is noisy as it is on the main road and unhygienic. It takes about 1 hour to get from Hotel Anamika in Hajipur to the mela in Sonepur. Hotel Anamika is probably still the best place to stay - although that is not saying much. If you can 'rough it out', sleep in the various camps for pilgrims at the mela. Expect to pay around Rs 500(2013 prices) for a simple mattress on the floor and a blanket under a canvas tent. Take your own bed sheet and blanket and inflatable pillow and you will be ok. Wash at various handpumps in the camp ground. There are places to eat serving simple but very spicy food. Bottled water is easily available. The Bihar Tourism resort at the western end of the mela ground serves good simple food but is over-priced for night stay. It is good place to relax during the hot afternoon.
Be careful of hygiene. Be careful of the smoke from various fires. Be careful of the extremes of weather - cold at night and hot during the day.
Role of Government
Bihar Government has elaborated the Security and Safety Arrangements for World famous Sonepur Cattle Fair which begins today and expects several Million Visitors this year. The Fair would continue till December 17 and would witness a large number of Foreign Tourists during the first 15 days. Authorities are expecting around 7 Lakhs of visitors on the very first day of the Fair.
Large Number of Policemen has been deployed at various sites near Fair Ground and on the Banks of River Gandak. Professional Divers have been deployed at various Ghats where the Holy Bathing would take place. Local Administration has banned any Vehicular Traffic on the two Bridges on the River Gandak. Vaishali police have made adequate security arrangements, deploying cops both in uniform and mufti at the venue.
The Inauguration ceremony would witness a Kathak performance by famous dancer Aditya Mangal Das, followed by Blue Light Dance from Bhubaneshwar and singing of Bihar Anthem. Cultural Program would be organized every evening throughout the fair. Ramleela and discourses would be organized at famous Baba Hariharnath Temple for the whole month.
Around 30 departments of Bihar Government would also put up stalls at the Fair Venue.
BSTDC has erected 2o Swiss Cottages for the convenience of Tourists visiting the Fair. These Cottages provide Star Hotel Facilities and are priced around Rs 5000-7000 per night.
To woo tourists, Administration has made arrangements for Aqua Sports, Adventure Sports, Boat Racing, Horse Racing, Camel Race and Kabbadi. These events would take place throughout the month. Authorities have spent over Rs. 15 Millions for providing facilities for visitors, beautification of fair venue and other necessary arrangements.
BSTDC has initiated massive campaigns for wooing tourists from other parts of the country. Several Hoardings and Banners have been put up at IGI Airport New Delhi and in Delhi Metro. Advertisements have been put in Air India’s in-flight magazine ‘Shubh Yatra’, in TV Channels and in cinema halls.
Sonepur Fair Location and Accommodations
The Sonepur Fair takes place in Sonepur, 25 kilometers north of capital city Patna. Bihar Tourism provides accommodations at the fair in the form of characterful woven straw huts with attached western bathrooms for 4,000 rupees per night. If this option is too costly (the huts are quite expensive for what you get and other options in the area are limited), you can stay in Patna and travel to the Fair. Depending on the amount of traffic, travel time can be anywhere from around 30 minutes to an hour and a half. While it may be possible to find accommodations in budget hotels and guest houses around Sonepur, security is not guaranteed.
Hotels in Sonepur, Bihar
Sonepur has a number of small hotels and lodges and Tourist Bungalow.Here we list some of the prominent ones. Besides, there are numerous Hotels located in Adjoining city of Patna, ranging from Budget Hotels to 5 Star Hotels. We may also check Hotels and Lodges in Hajipur, which is the Headquarters of Vaishali district and falls on way to Sonepur from Patna. Accommodation in Hajipur is advisable as it saves lots of time spent in heavy traffic jam on 7km long Mahatma Gandhi Setu
(Bridge) connecting Hajipur and Patna.
BSTDC Tourist Bungalow
Ambapali Vihar, Vaishali-844128. Ph.0622-285425.
Rooms available: Non-A/C Room (Dbl.), Non-A/C Room (Sngl.) and Dormitory Beds. Facilities: Restaurant, Coach/Car Parking.
Swiss Cottages
During Cattle Fair in November, BSTDC constructs Swiss Type Cottages having for Tourists in specially made Tourist Village. These are fully furnished with attached western toilets set up at the Sonepur Fair Grounds, supported by catering and security facilities and offering complimentary elephant ride.
There are several small private lodges and hotels in Sonepur about which verified information is not available. Most of them are located in the vicinity of Sonpur Railway Junction.
Vaishali District of Bihar has a number of small and medium sized Hotels providing Tourists and Visitors a comfortable and pleasant lodging. Most of these hotels are located in Hajipur, the district Headquarters of Vaishali and are quite proximate to places of Tourist Interests in Vaishali. Below we list some of those Hotels and Lodges. Additionally, Visitors can also stay in nearby capital City of Patna, which is only 7km from Hajipur.
Hotel Anamika, Hajipur
It is located in Hajipur, the district Hajipur of Vaishali and in proximity to all the places of interest and importance. It offers AC, Non-AC and Deluxe Type Rooms.
Other Facilities includes, Room Service, Refrigerator, Wakeup call service on request, Complimentary bed-tea, Aqua-guard/RO filtered water,
Room cleaning service, AC / Heater, Air Conditioned, Attached Bathroom and Wi-fi.
Address: Paswan Chowk, MG Setu Road, 842001
Phone:+91-6224-272774, +91-9234335561
Email: rajkumar[at]hotelanamika.com
Website: www.hotelanamika.com
Hotel Ambapali Vihar
It is a BSTDC operated Tourist Bungalow. It offers non-AC Single and Double Bed Rooms at affordable rates.Beds in Dormitories are also available for those who don’t need rooms. There is a separate Restaurant and a Coach/Car Parking for the Guests.
Address: Ambapali Vihar, Vaishali-844128.
Phone: +91-622-285
Hotel Pankaj, Hajipur
Address: Anwarpur Chowk, Hajipur 844101
Phone: +91-98 35 044750
Hotel Lichhavi Hajipur
Address: Dakbangla Road, Hajipur 844101
Hotel Piyush Hajipur
Address: Gandhi Aashram, Hajipur, 844101
Hotel Vaishali
Address: Cinema Road, Hajipur 844101
Hotel Shivam
Address: Hospital Road, Thana Chowk, Hajipur 844101
Fun Point Resort
Address: Fun Point Resort, Bar & Restaurant, Paswan
Chowk, Hajipur-Patna link Road, Hajipur 844101.
Phone: +91-6224-273178, 9234347288
Fun and Food Restaurant and Hotel
Address: Paswan Chowk, Hajipur-Patna link Road,
Hajipur 844101
Phone: +91-9199313598, 9234042336
Youth Hostel
Youth Hostel offers Dormitory beds along with SingleBedded Rooms at budget rates. It also has Restaurant and Parking Facilities.
Sonepur has a number of small hotels and lodges and Tourist Bungalow.Here we list some of the prominent ones. Besides, there are numerous Hotels located in adjoining city of Patna, ranging from Budget Hotels to 5 Star Hotels.
You may also check Hotels and Lodges in Hajipur, which is the Headquarters of Vaishali district and falls on way to Sonepur from Patna. Accommodation in Hajipur is advisable as it saves lots of time spent in heavy traffic jam on 7km long Mahatma Gandhi Setu (Bridge) connecting Hajipur and Patna.
BSTDC Tourist Bungalow
Ambapali Vihar, Vaishali-844128. Ph.0622-285425.
Rooms available: Non-A/C Room (Dbl.),Non-A/C Room (Sngl.) and
Dormitory Beds. Facilities: Restaurant, Coach/Car Parking
Swiss Cottages at Sonepur Cattle Fair
During Cattle Fair in November, BSTDC constructs Swiss Type Cottages having for Tourists in specially made Tourist Village. These are fully furnished with attached western toilets set up at the Sonepur Fair Grounds, supported by catering and security facilities and offering complimentary elephant ride.
To woo Tourists, BSTDC has been constructing Swiss Type Cottages in Tourist Village every year. This year it has constructed 20 double-bed Swiss Type cottages (with attached western toilets) in the Tourist Village to accommodate these tourists.
These specially erected thatched rooms having all the facilities and comforts of any good hotel, including uninterrupted power supply and well equipped bathrooms fitted with geysers. Free yoga classes and complementary elephant ride would also be provided to those booking cottages.
These cost Rs 4000-7000 per day and the Tourists can book online at BSTDC Website.
Sonepur Paryatak Gram Tariff 2014
Date
Cottage Tariff
Luxury Tax
Service Tax
16th ti 23th Nov
INR 4000
10%
7.42%
24th to 31 Nov
INR 1500
10%
7.42%
31 Dec to Fair end
599
nil
Nil
Ø Terms and Condition for booking Sonepur Paryatak Gram 2014
Ø Kindly send the booking details for your cottage booking.
Ø Depending upon cottage availability your booking will be accepted.
Ø Once the booking is accepted, full payment has to be done.
Ø Once the payment is received by BSTDC you will receive a confirmation.
Cancellation Policy
Before 7days of occupancy 50%Refund
Between 6 to 4 days before occupancy date 25%Refund
Between 3 to 1daybefore occupancy date 10%Refund
Date of occupancy or after that No Refund
Cancellation refunding will be made against full charges of tariff.
Extension of booking is allowed depending upon the availability of cottage at that time. Also full payment has to be done before occupancy.
All payment has to be done in our BSTDC Account mention below.
Bank Name: BANK OF INDIA Name: BIHAR STATE TOUR.DEV.CORP.LTD
Account No: 441010200001204, IFSC CODE: BKID0004410
Communication
EMail Id bihartourism.tours@gmail.com
Contact No: Sri Gajender Singh+ 91 970 8066 612
Sonepur Mela from November 16
1 month long Harihar Kshetra Mela or Sonepur Mela, Asia's largest cattle fair, is on. The fair would kick off from November 16 this year, a day ahead of Kartik Purnima, with many new attractions. Apart from continuing its heritage of being a perfect platform for trading of elephants, farm animals, dogs, buffaloes, goats, camels and all types of birds, the fair would also serve as a platform for local artists to showcase their talents every evening and to give visitors a fine blend of tradition and modernity. Handicraft stalls showcasing works of craftsmen from across the country would be another attraction. The fair would also have stalls where one can shop and eat.
"Tenders inviting both local and branded food stores and restaurants for setting up their stalls would be floated within a couple of days," said a senior Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) official.Sanjay Singh, senior manager (operation), Bihar and Jharkhand, of the event company entrusted with the task of preparing layout of the fair and its management, said, "The fair will be divided into four sections corporate stalls, government department stalls, cultural event section and traditional stalls."
However, Singh could not give details of the area to be covered by the fair, saying, "Demarcation of land has not yet been done as it is still filled with rain water, which the local bodies are trying to drain out."
The booking for Swiss cottages, another major attraction of the fair, is open since September. The tourists can enjoy their stay at Swiss cottages especially designed to attract foreign tourists.
The cottages that would be available at Rs 7,000 (excluding food and taxes) per day in the first week of the fair would be a fine blend of tradition and modern ambience. Each of them would have a room (on twin sharing basis), an attached toilet with hot and cold water supply.
The charge of these cottages would go down to Rs 2,500 (excluding food and taxes) per day in the second week and Rs 400 (excluding food and taxes) per day in the third and fourth week. Bookings for Sonepur mela can be made at www.bstdc.bhi.nic or mail can be sent for reservation at bihartourism.tours@gmail.com or one can contact on landline number of hotel Kautilya.
BSTDC is also launching a daylong tour via bus to Sonepur Mela from Patna at Rs 500 to Rs 700 (including lunch) per person. "We will also be providing hired four, wheelers from Hotel Kautilya to the fair for those who want to avail a daylong tour," said the BSTDC official.
When is Best to Visit?
Most of the activities and animal trading take place during the first week of the festival. For the best experience, do be there on the first day to witness the sunrise bathing. You'll need to arrive the previous day, so that you can be up early for it. A stay of a day or two is sufficient to explore the festival.
What about Safety?
Bihar, while suffering from a negative image for many years, has greatly improved in terms of law and order. It's become one of India's fastest developing states and a growing tourist destination. I traveled as a single female and didn't feel threatened or anymore uncomfortable than anywhere else in India (although I was sensible and took proper precautions, including not staying out alone after dark). There's a heavy police presence at the Fair, and security guards at Bihar Tourism Tourist Village (where the tourist accommodations are).
Getting there and around
Sonepur mela is held in the village of Sonepur 30km from Patna, Bihar. Patna is very well connected to the rest of the country by fast trains and regular flights.
From Patna, hire an auto-rickshaw to Sonepur. It will take about 2 hours to cover the 35km to Sonepur. The road from Patna to Sonepur is very busy with a lot of traffic. Expect traffic jams 24 hours a day. Auto-rickshaws will drop you just before the narrow pedestrian bridge over River Gandak. From there, you have to walk 1km to reach the fair grounds. There is an alternate route over another bridge to the north but it takes a little longer but one doesnt have to walk. The short walk over the bridge is recommended.
The mela is too crowded and walking around is the only practical option in the mela.
Things to see
The elephants are the highlight of the mela. There were more than 40 elephants in 2013. The number of elephants is steadily decreasing as there is a ban on the sale of elephants. Most people who bring elephants simply keep elephants for prestige. Elephants are taken for their daily bath to the Gandak River all afternoon.
The horses 'races' are also very popular. It is not really a race but horses gallop to-and-fro along a set path. Riders show off their horses to potential buyers.
The 'Chiriya Bazaar'(bird market) is a small bazaar where birds (and other animals) can be legally bought. A parrot can be bought for Rs 350(2013 prices). A cage for the parrot costs about the same amount as well. Parrots, guinea pigs, dogs, pheasants, and a wide variety of small birds are sold here.
Livestock such as cattle, goats, and buffalo are also for sale. Prized cows can fetch Rs 10 lakh ($15,000) or more.
Enjoy the local culture in the heart of India.
Eat
Some dishes which Bihar is famous for, include Sattu Paratha, which are parathas stuffed with fried chickpea flour, Chokha (spicy mashed potatoes), Fish curry andBihari Kebab,Postaa-dana kaa halwaa.
· Khaaja - It's a famous dessert in Bihar, Major Ingridient are 'Wheat flour, sugar, oil' Khaja is dry from outside and full of sugar syrup inside and is juicy.
· Kadhi Bari - these fried soft dumplings made of besan (gram flour) are cooked in a spicy gravy of yogurt and besan. It goes very well over plain rice.
· Khichdi - Mix of Rice, Dal and several Vegetables; steamed together to give a distinctive taste of different ingredients combined in one dish. It is often topped up with ghee.
· Ghugni - It is a preparation made of grams soaked (either lightly/overnight)in water and then sauted in mustard oil in a wok.
· Pittha - It is something like momos. It could be either salty or sweet.It is either a semi circular/ball shaped preparation made of crust made of soft rice flour and filled with preparations made of Channa Daal lentil paste, or Poppy seeds & Gur (Jaggey). and then steamed in water/ milk (allowed to thicken).
· Chiwra - beaten rice, served with a coat of creamy curd and sugar or jaggery. In winters, this is mildly baked and accompanied with a thick spicy preparation made of peas and onions.
· Sattu - powdered baked gram, a high energy giving food usually mixed with water or with milk. Sometimes, sattu mixed with spices is used to prepare stuffed 'chapattis', locally called as 'makuni roti'.
· Dhuska - a deep fried item prepared from a mixture of powdered rice and ghee but is salted.
· Litti - Powdered baked gram is mixed with chopped onions,green chillies,lemon juice,coriander leaves. This mixture is filled inside atta and either barbecued over coal or deep fried with oil. Best accompanied with Ghee,Curd and Chokha and baigan bharta.
Drink
Sattu A baked and powdered gram mixed with water, salt,cumin, chili and lemon juice. It is generally consumed in morning as it is considered as healthy food.
· Aam Jhora Green mango drink, prepared by boiling or baking green mango and mixing it with water, salt, chili, cumin and clove leaves. It is generally served during summer season for its medicinal value for fighting against heat waves.
· Bael ka Sarvat Prepared from Bael(Aegle marmelos)added with sugar/salt for taste. Bael is known for its medicinal value especially it is good for abdomen.
· Taari Natural drink collected from tree of Taar, very common tree in Bihar. Tarri is collected overnight and served in early morning; very fast fermentation process during day time makes the drink alcoholic if kept in normal temperature for more than 2-3 hours.
· Lassi A sweet/ salty drink made of yogurt, sugar, dry fruits and lots of cream. It is also a preferred summer drink.
· Thandhai A sweet drink made of yogurt, spices, dry fruits etc. It is generally served during festival, especially on Holi.
· Bhang the leaf and flower of the Cannabis sativa plant, is consumed as a beverage is in many forms, the simplest of which is made by pounding bhang leaves with a little black pepper, sugar and mixing with water. Cannabis is widely produced in Bihar and sold legally at licensed Bhang shops
· pattal ka mittai,chura-dahi
What to Purchase
Bihar offers a wide range of variety in terms of shopping. Indigenous products are available in plenty. Government Emporia and private shops in Patna and other cities offer local and handicraft products. The shops have huge collection of local handicrafts and handloom products along with the products from other parts of India. Bargaining is a part of shopping and there is no maximum or minimum limit for that.
Paintings from Madhubani School of painting are craze among travelers and buyers in Bihar. The art of Madhubani paintings has been carried out from generation to generation. It illustrates mythological themes, incorporating images of local deities as well as Hindu gods and goddesses. Some other popular shopping items in Bihar are stone and bead-jewelry, hand-painted wall hangings, miniatures in paper and leaves, appliqué work on fabric, stone pottery, bamboo and cane work, wooden stools, leather goods,
Local made handicrafts are major attractions for travelers in Bihar. Sweets are quite popular among people and these do not leave travelers untouched. Buxar is famous for its `soanpapri` and `petha.’ `Tilcoot` is another specialty of the local cuisine. Besides, the north Indian food is delicious to munch and the local cuisine is very different from the other parts of India and tourists will find a number of restaurants to taste these delicacies.
How to Reach
Trains to Sonepur, Bihar
There are numerous trains connecting Sonepur to different parts of India. We are listing trains from some prominent cities to Sonpur Junction (SEE). Around 80 unique trains pass through Sonepur every week. To book a seat in these Trains please visit the IRCTC Website or contact a Travel Agent. Apart from these, a number of Trains connects nearby city Patna (PNBE) to almost all corners of India.
Trains from New Delhi
15610 AVADH ASSAM EXP 12566 BIHAR S KRANTI 15708 ASR KIR EXPRESS 12524 NDLS NJP SF EXP 14006 LICHCHAVI EXP 14016 SADHBHAWNA E
12554 VAISHALI EXP 14674 SHAHEED EXP 12562 SWATANTRTA S EXP
Trains from Kolkata
13105 SDAH BUI EXPRES 15047 PURBANCHAL EXP 13019 BAGH EXPRESS
Trains from Chennai
12522 RAPTISAGAR EXP
Trains from Mumbai
11061 MUZAFFARPUR EXP 11065 DARBHANGA EXP
Flights to Sonepur Town, Bihar
Sonepur Town doesn’t have an Airport; hence there is no flight connectivity. The nearest Airport is Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport at Patna (PAT, VEPT) which is hardly 25 km by Road.Patna is connected to Cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ranchi, Kathmandu (Nepal) through direct flights. Connecting Flights are also available for Goa, Srinagar, Pune, Chennai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Jammu, Indore and Ahmedabad.
During Peak Seasons (November-March), Lord Buddha International Airport, Gaya (GAY, VEGO) has regular Flight connectivities to neighbouring countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar Thailand, and Bhutan. Gaya Airport would be around 120 km from Sonepur. See the List of Flights to BodhGaya Regular Taxis and Autorickshaw are available connecting Sonepur to Patna Airport.
References
Ø http://www.aalayavanimagazine.org/2013/02/hariharnath-temple
Ø www. sonepurmela .org .in
Ø Sonepur Fair - A Tradition through the Ages
Ø http://www.paramparaproject.org/traditions_sonpurmeal.html
Ø South-East Asian Tourism Organisation
Ø Culture and Heritage Travel Challenge
Ø Weblog and Information on UNESCO World Heritage Topics.
Ø A journey by river boat through little-visited Bihar gets you to the Sonepur Mela, and into the melee of a vibrant and ancient festival in stylish simplicity.
Ø The Sonepur Mela - Slowly down the Ganges to India’s largest animal fair
Ø Sonepur Mela, Showing off Horses for Sale India Created by Roger Berry
Ø "INDIA: Bihar, Cities, Towns and Outgrowth Wards". citypopulation.de. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
Ø "World Famous Sonepur Cattle Fair to begin on November 16". Biharprabha News. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
Ø "How to reach Sonepur Town?". Explore Bihar. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
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Ø "Trains to Sonepur, Bihar". Explore Bihar. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
Ø "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India.
Ø Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
Ø "The Sonepur Cattle Fair". Retrieved 4 December 2013.
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Conclusion
Filed under Bihar Tour Bihar, Northern, Sonepur A visual extravaganza awaits all at the Sonepur Fair,where multitudes congregate on Kartik Purnima to offer obeisance to Harihar Nath and participate in the biggest cattle fair in Asia. Festivities stretch over a fortnight, giving visitors a feel of the pulse of Bihar.
According to the Indian almanac, the full moon day or Purnima of the month of Kartik, which usually falls in November, is one of the most auspicious days. A number of big fairs are held at important paces of pilgrimage and the Harihar Kshetra Mela, as the Sonepur Fair is also known, is one of the biggest.Visiting the temple of Harihar Nath is naturally the main objective of the visitors to the fair after they have taken their ritual bath in the swirling waters of the Gandak. As in many other famous places of worship, a number of smaller temples of other deities surround the temple of Harihar Nath Mahadeo. Once the pujas are over, the visitors abandon themselves to the various attractions offered in and around the sprawling mela ground. The village folk, as well as the others, is attracted to the array of shops selling all sorts of garments, weapons and furniture, toys, utensils, agricultural implements, jewelry and various handicrafts. The fair becomes a virtual explosion of colors, music, dances, magic shows, cattle, merchants and handicrafts. The area that attracts all, however, is the one where elephants are lined up for sale.
The Sonepur Fair is the only one where such a large number of elephants are sold. These are mainly purchased by different forest departments and people involved with logging operations. Apart from elephants, a large number of cattle and a wide variety of animals are also bought and sold in the fair. The fair continues for about fourteen days but the few days before and after the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima draw the maximum crowds. The sleepy mango grove, where the fair is organized, turns into a wonderland, sure to overwhelm the sophisticated urban visitor as well as the simple rural folk. like so many places of pilgrimage in India; Sonepur also has its legend. It involves two kings, who were both turned into animals-a crocodile and an elephant-by the curse of sages who were offended by them. In those days, this area was supposed to have been girdled by hills with three towering peaks and a lake in the center.
Once, while bathing in the lake with a party of women, a Gandharva chief named Huhu made fun of Dewala Muni by playfully pulling his leg. The ire of the sage took the form of a curse that turned Huhu into a crocodile. The other accursed person was Indradyumna, a king of the Pandyas, who was of a very pious nature but had offended the powerful sage, Agastya. The king had failed to notice the sage as he was in meditation when the sage visited him. The curse of the enraged Agastya turned Indradyumna into an elephant that took refuge in the woods surrounding the lake.
One day while the elephant came with a herd to the lake to bathe, the gandharva-turned-crocodile caught his leg in its powerful jaws. Not to be taken lightly, the king of elephants tried to pull the crocodile up on the bank in an effort to crush him under his feet.
A mighty battle ensued, which was joined by other crocodiles and elephants. The contest went on for thousands of years without any one being able to overpower the other. But ultimately, the King Elephant weakened and prayed to the supreme god Vishnu (Hari) to save him. His prayer was answered and Vishnu cut down the crocodile with his chakra (disc). The touch of the chakra, however, released Huhu from the curse and he went to heaven. Vishnu also released Indradyumna from his curse by touching his forehead and took the king to His abode, Vaikuntha. Sonepur is well connected by road to the nearby towns and cities. Moreover, Sonepur is 25 kilometers from Patna, which is well connected by air, rail and road to the other parts of the country.
