Sonepur Mela begins

The Sonepur fair in Bihar, described as Asia’s largest cattle fair, has formally begun attracting a huge number of cattle from across the country, officials said today.

The fair began here last evening with deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi formally inaugurating it amid a galaxy of ministers.

“We will develop it as a modern fair having international look and quality of services”, Modi announced while inaugurating the fair.

According to officials, about 60 foreign tourists from Japan, Germany, Australia and Austria have booked their lodging in the tastefully-designed cottages having traditional look to enjoy the fair.

“We are providing every facility to the foreign guests to attract more and more tourists in our cottages decorated with traditional items”, said Ajay Kumar, in-charge of the cottages being managed by State Tourism Development Corporation.

Officials also said more than a lakh oxen, cows, bulls, elephants and horses have already reached the fair and have become the centre of attraction for the visitors.

One of the cattle businessmen Suresh Rai sold a pair of oxens for Rs 71,000 at the fair, officials said.

The fair will continue for 30 days, instead of 25 which was its earlier period.