Asia's largest month-long cattle fair begins in Bihar
5 Nov 2009, 1358 Hrs

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Sonepur (Bihar), Nov 5 Tourists, including foreigners, thronged the month-long cattle fair in Sonepur in Bihar.

The fair, considered as Asia's biggest cattle fair, kicked off on Monday on "Kartik Purnima" (full moon day).

The day saw hundreds of devotees assembling at the banks of Holy River Ganga and Gandak at daybreak to take a holy dip. They later offered prayers at the local temples.

"Devotees who come here with a wish pray to the god and get their wish fulfilled. Tourists from across the world come here," said Kusanan Panada, a priest.

The cattle owners too gave their cattle a bath before taking them for the cattle fair.

The fair that is popularly known as `Sonepur Mela' attracts not only animal traders and buyers from all over the country but also people looking for an exclusive pet for themselves besides thousands of others who come here for fun and merry making.

For centuries, the fair has catered to the agricultural needs of thousands of people. An estimated 40,000 animals have been put for sale at the fair this year.

"I have been getting livestock here for trading every year and this year too I have got my cows. Last year I sold them for around 40-70 thousand rupees. This time I intend to sell them from rupees 850 to 2123," said Bhola Ray, a cattle trader.

Spread over nine acres, the Sonepur fair has designated areas for each category of animals to avoid confusion and to cater to the buyers' needs. (ANI)

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