Sonepur

Sonepur is a famous place in Saran district of Bihar in India. It is famous for cattle fair held every year. It is situated on the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Gandak.

Sonepur fair, which is only one of its kind, is one of the Asia's largest cattle fairs which is held for a fortnight. The full moon day of the month of Kartik (November) is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus. In ancient times the Royal Rajahs and Nawabs used to camp here. The Sonepue Fair has unique and historical importance. A large number of elephants are also sold in this fair. These are purchased mainly by forest departments. Apart from elephants, a large number of cattle and horses are also brought to the fair for sale. Various folk shows, games and jugglers can be seen in the fair.

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.

There is a famous story attached to this place. It tells that there lived a huge crocodile in this lake. An elephant came with a herd to the tank to have a bath. The crocodile caught the elephant's leg in the mighty jaw and tried to drag him into deep water. The elephant gave a stiff resistance. The struggle continued for thousands years and ultimately all the elephants and the crocodiles joined in the fight. The elephant, beginning to weaken, prayed to the supreme god Sri Hari (Lord Vishnu), to help him. His prayer was heard and Sri Hari saved him from the grip of the crocodile in the presence of Hara and other gods.

It is said that the due to the shouting of spectators as "Kaun Hara, Kaun Hara" (Who is defeated) the bank is named as "Konhara".