Bihar: 8 outdoor games to be organised during Sonepur fair, says administration

CHHAPRA: Though the indigenous nature of Asia’s famous Harihar Kshetra Mela is gradually disappearing as modernisation steps in, the organizers have initiated certain steps to preserve its originality by planning to organize some of sports events, including adventure sports.
The district administration is set to organise eight outdoor games during the month-long fair.Saran district magistrate Rejesh Meena has directed district education officer (DEO) Kaushal Kishore to organize different sports events.
Accordingly, the DEO has nominated conveners for kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball, tug of war, hand ball, rowing (boat racing), football and wrestling, which would be organized between November 9 and 23. A half marathon is also scheduled to be organized during the Mela.
CM Nitish Kumar is expected to inaugurate this fair on November 6, while another popular fair of this district known as Godna-Semaria fair at Rebelganj is expected to be inaugurated on November 7 by Jitendra Rai, state art, culture and youth affairs minister. Sonepur fair is organized at the confluence of Ganga and Gandak rivers, while the later is organized on the bank of Saryu (Ghagra).
Sonepur fair is popularly known as cattle fair and different breeds of cows and oxen are brought to this fair for sale. However, Amit Kumar, social activist from Dighwara in Saran district said that after introduction of tractors for cultivation or tillage of fields, the need for oxen has declined.
Similarly, ban on sale or gift of elephants in this fair has also adversely affected it. “Earlier, even the governor used to visit this fair to see the horse race and other cattle exhibition which was the centre of attraction for the visitors,” Amit added.