Experiences › See
See

See: The Great Melas — Sonepur & Shrawani

Asia's oldest cattle fair at Sonepur each winter, and the saffron tide of the Shrawani Mela pilgrimage in monsoon.

Duration
Day trip
Best season
Nov–Dec (Sonepur); Jul–Aug (Shrawani)
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
25 km
Travel time
~50 min to Sonepur
Availability
Seasonal

Just across the river, Sonepur Mela — one of Asia's oldest and largest cattle fairs — comes alive every November–December on the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak. Elephants, horses, folk theatre, crafts and a month-long carnival spirit.

In monsoon (Jul–Aug), the Shrawani Mela draws millions of saffron-clad kanwariyas carrying Ganga water to Deoghar — an unforgettable river of faith. We'll help you time your visit and travel safely.

festivalmelasonepurshrawaniculture

Local food to try

🍽️ Litti Chokha🍽️ Khaja

Nearby

  • Sonepur25 km
  • Hajipur20 km

Gallery

Make The Great Melas — Sonepur & Shrawani part of your Bihar story.

Map

Open in Google Maps →

Good to know

Can you arrange transport to Sonepur Mela?
Yes — we can book a cab with a driver for the day. Ask our concierge.

Continue exploring

See

See: Chhath Puja on the Ganga

Bihar's most sacred festival — devotees offering arghya to the setting and rising sun on Patna's glowing ghats, plus year-round evening Ganga aarti.
Touch

Touch: The Living Arts of Bihar

Madhubani and Tikuli painting, Sujani and Khatwa embroidery, Manjusha and Sikki craft — meet the GI-tagged art traditions of Mithila and beyond.