Asia’s biggest cattle fair Sonepur mela was inaugurated today by Bihar Chief minister Nisth Kumar. Stalls dealing with household goods, clothes, woolens and other daily items have come up at the venue. Theatres, where small-time artistes sing and dance on Bollywood numbers have also pitched their tents.

Several government departments and the Indian Railways have also set up their stalls to apprise the people about their projects.

The full moon day of the month of Kartik (November) is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus. Sonepur situated on the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Gandak, has the reverence of a blessed ground and lasts for a fortnight. In ancient times the Royal Rajahs and Nawabs used to camp here. The Sonepue Fair has unique and historical importance.

A bath at the confluence and a visit to the Hariharnath temple here is the aim for thousands of devotees on the Kartika Purnima day