Hundreds of artists set to enthral audience during Bihar’s famous Sonepur Mela

Bihar’s world-famous Sonepur Mela, which is organized at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers, takes place every year on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima in the month of November. 

The colourful Mela, which is also Asia's largest fair, is popular since ancient times for the gathering and trading of livestock.

The Mela is also famous for several kinds of events, including folk singing, dance performances, and other events. This year hundreds of artists from across the country are going to perform in the month-long Mela. 

On Sunday, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav inaugurated Sonepur Mela, which is a month-long affair.

Art Culture and Youth Department Additional Secretary Deepak Anand said, "The event offers a host of cultural programmes presented by eminent artists with national and international recognition. Thousands of people come from all over the world to attend the fair and leave with unforgettable memories," as quoted by PTI.

This year, people will witness the famous Kalbelia dance by Padma Shri awardee Gulabo Bai, performances by folk singer Malini Awasthi, Devi, Sufi singer Mamta Joshi, Padma Shrii awardee Sunil Joshi, veteran actress Padmini Kolhapure, Bihar’s folk songs by Jainendra Dost and his team etc, he said.

Some of the famous events are: Kalbelia dance performance by Padma Shri awardee Gulabo Bai, performances by prominent folk singer Malini Awasthi, Devi, Padma Shrii awardee Sunil Joshi, Sufi singer Mamta Joshi. A dance performance by veteran actress Padmini Kolhapure and famous singer Jainendra Dost and his team will enthral the audience by singing Bihar folk songs. 

 The cultural performances started yesterday and will continue till December 5.

The original venue of the Sonepur Mela was Hajipir and puja used to take place at the Harihar Nath temple of Sonepur. The venue of the grand fair was shifted to Sonepur under the rule of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. 

The Harihar Nath temple has the significance of its own as it is believed that Lord Rama, on his way to the court of King Janak to win the hand of Mata Sita, built the temple.