Sonepur fair inaugurated

Chhapra: Inaugurating the Asia famous Harihar Kshetra Sonepur fair in Saran district on Saturday, tourism minister Anita Devi said the state government was committed to bringing positive changes in the nature of this ancient fair on the pattern of Surajkund and Pushkar for the benefit of the people of the region.
The minister also released 'Mela Darpan', a booklet published by Saran district administration.State tourism principal secretary Harjot Kaur said the department has launched an app for the fair and requested the audience to download it for getting the latest information on their mobile phones.
Addressing the audience, art, culture and youth affairs minister Shivchandra Ram said the organizers have approached some reputed artists of the country this year and many of them have consented to perform at the fair. Saran DM Deepak Anand proposed a vote of thanks. Mining minister Muneshwar Choudhary and several MLAs were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, traders have started arriving at the fair with cattle, birds and other animals. The fair attracts huge crowd for a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganga and the Gandak on Kartik Purnima Day, which is on November 14 this year.
A tourist village has been constructed with about 40 Swiss cottages. Each of them consists of two single beds, attached toilet and other modern facilities, including a canteen.
Saran DM said theatres would not be allowed to show obscenity and about 18 temporary police stations have been opened to maintain law and order.