The Sonepur Mela, also called the Harihar Kshetra Mela and counted among the largest cattle fairs of Asia, is held in which state?
- A.Odisha
- B.Uttar Pradesh
- C.Bihar
- D.West Bengal
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, Bihar. The Sonepur Mela is held at Sonepur in the Saran district of Bihar, where the Gandak joins the Ganga. It begins on Kartik Purnima, the same full moon as the Pushkar Fair, and is named the Harihar Kshetra Mela after the Harihar Nath temple there, which tradition links to Rama. Cattle, horses, birds and elephants were traded at it for centuries, and it remains one of the largest livestock fairs in Asia.
Option A, Odisha, holds the Bali Yatra at Cuttack on the same full moon, which is the neatest trap in this question. Option B, Uttar Pradesh, has the Nauchandi Mela at Meerut and the Magh Mela at Prayagraj. Option D, West Bengal, holds the Gangasagar Mela on Sagar Island at Makar Sankranti. Only Sonepur carries the Harihar Kshetra name.
Read the full article: Fairs and Tribal Culture of India: Melas, Tribes and PYQs
Practice Questions
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- D.Garhwal Hills
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