In short: Sonepur Mela — long called Asia’s largest cattle fair — opens on Kartik Purnima, Tuesday 24 November 2026, at the sacred Gandak–Ganga confluence in Bihar, beginning with a mass holy bath and running for weeks.

Held at Harihar Kshetra, where the Gandak meets the Ganga in Bihar’s Saran district, the Sonepur Mela (Harihar Kshetra Mela) is one of India’s oldest and largest fairs. It opens on Kartik Purnima with pilgrims taking a holy dip and worshipping at the ancient Hariharnath temple — a rare shrine to Hari (Vishnu) and Har (Shiva) together.

When is Sonepur Mela 2026?

The mela begins on Kartik Purnima — Tuesday, 24 November 2026 — with the Kartik snana, and traditionally continues for around a month. Confirm the official opening and programme with the Bihar tourism department. See our Karthika Masam 2026 guide for the sacred month.

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What to know

  • Harihar Kshetra snana: the holy bath at the Gandak–Ganga confluence on Kartik Purnima is the spiritual heart of the mela.
  • The legend of Gaj–Grah: the site is linked to the Gajendra Moksha story, where Vishnu freed the elephant king from the crocodile.
  • A vast fair: cattle, horses and elephants historically, plus crafts, food, culture and rides — a centuries-old tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Sonepur Mela 2026 start?

Sonepur Mela 2026 begins on Kartik Purnima, Tuesday 24 November 2026, with the holy bath at the Gandak–Ganga confluence, and traditionally runs for about a month.

Where is Sonepur Mela held?

At Sonepur (Harihar Kshetra) in Saran district, Bihar, where the Gandak meets the Ganga — home to the Hariharnath temple.

Why is Sonepur Mela famous?

It is celebrated as Asia’s largest cattle fair and one of India’s oldest, combining a major Kartik Purnima pilgrimage with a vast, weeks-long fair.

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