Sonepur; an elephant fair struggling for existence

A photo essay by Indian Express: (worth a look)

MELA 2013

World famous 'Sonepur mela'' 2013 begins in Bihar

The globally renowned, month-long 'Sonepur mela' at which elephants, horses and cattle are sold and purchased began on 17^th November on the bank of river Ganga in Bihar's Saran district and will continue till 17^th December, 2013.  

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.

Preparations 2013

Preparations for the 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.
http://www.bstdc.bhi.nic/
www.bstdc.bhi.nic