Sushil Modi to inaugurate Sonepur Mela today

CHHAPRA: Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi will inaugurate the monthlong Sonepur Mela on Wednesday.

Though the Sonepur Mela is arguably the biggest cattle fair in Asia, the number of different animals coming here has considerably reduced in the recent years. Horses, however, continue to rule the roost at the fair. In fact, stallions from Siwan, Mokama and Deoria have already arrived here for sale.

According to Ranjit, a local, the cost of one horse varies from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 depending upon the breed. Last year, few elephants were brought to Mela for exhibition only.

The Mela has been a big attraction for the foreign visitors who come to study the rural nature of the fair. Around 20 Swiss cottages with modern facilities have been readied at Paryatak Gram to welcome the visitors, including foreigners. It is expected that visitors from England, South Korea, Italy and Netherlands will visit the fair.

Different sports activities, including kickboxing, have been introduced this year. On December 8, a day-night martial arts competition will be organised at the fair. Boating competition and other rural games will be other attractions for the visitors.

“Cultural programmes will be organised during daytime for the first time. Around 24 government welfare schemes will be highlighted through the cultural programmes to be held from 11.30am to 3pm,” Saran DM Subrat Kumar Sen said.

The officials concerned have been asked to maintain cleanliness at the fair venue and ensure availability of drinking water. The DM has asked the officials to display cellphone numbers of supervisors. CCTV cameras have also been installed at all important roundabouts.

“This fair has been the identity of Sonepur. Steps should be taken to organize it in a better way, Sonepur MLA Ramanuj Prasad said.