Sonpur Mela 2025: Complete Guide To Asia’s Largest Cattle Fair

By: Swarn Rajhans | onNovember 26, 2025

Sonpur Mela 2025 is back — grander, livelier, and richer than ever. Organised every year in the historic town of Sonpur in Bihar’s Saran district, this iconic fair is known as Asia’s largest cattle fair and one of the oldest cultural gatherings in India. From traditional cattle trading and vibrant rural exhibitions to crafts, cuisines, adventure zones, folk performances and cultural evenings — the mela captures the authentic charm of rural India.

This year, Sonpur Mela will continue till the 10th of December. The fair begins every year during the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima. This year’s fair was a little delayed because of the Bihar Elections. The fair is organised closer to the Hariharnath Temple which is located near the holy Ganges river. This is the only temple that worships both the Lord Vishnu (Hari) and Lord Mahdeva (Har). Due to this reason Sonpur Mela is often referred to as the Harihar Kshetra mela as well.

Travellers all around the country are excited about this and want to know how they can reach Asia’s largest cattle fair. In this blog we will explain in detail the features and special attractions of this mela, most important train routes to reach this spiritual city along with special RailMitra services in the end. So, without wasting any minute, let’s dive in.

What Makes Sonpur Mela 2025 Special?

1. Asia’s Largest Cattle Fair

For centuries, traders have gathered here to buy and sell elephants (historically), horses, cattle, camels, and livestock of every kind. It remains the largest cattle fair in Asia, preserving its legacy even in modern times.

2. A Cultural Carnival

From folk dance, nautanki, music nights, and local artisans putting their best work on display — the fair is a celebration of India’s rural heartland. Visitors can explore stalls selling:

Handicrafts
Madhubani paintings
Traditional garments
Local snacks and sweets
Wooden toys and home décor

3. Spiritual and Historical Significance

Legends say that this Sonpur Mela originated at a time that goes way back to the Vedic Period. The famous Hariharnath Temple is said to be located on exactly the same place where the Gaja (Elephant) prayed to the lord when battling the Crocodile (Grah). Later it is told that Lord Ram himself constructed this temple when he was heading towards the kingdom of King Janka for the Swayamvar of Mother Sita. Earlier the cattle fair used to take place in Hajipur. However, the site of the fair was shifted to Sonpur during the rule of Mughal King Aurangzeb.

How to Reach Sonpur Mela 2025

The most convenient way to reach the iconic Sonpur Mela 2025 is by reaching the Sonpur junction. However, there might not be trains directly reaching this station. If that is the case for you, then you can reach this Mela by reaching the two major Railway stations near this mela. These are:

Patna Junction (PNBE)
Hajipur Junction (HJP)

These stations are some of the most popular railway stations in the country and you can easily get a train to these cities. From Patna Sonpur is just 27 kilometres away and you can reach there in under an hour. Hajipur also presents a good halting alternative with the distance from the fair being 24 kilometres which again can be easily covered in an hour’s time.

Top 10 Cities from Where People Travel Most to Sonpur Mela

1. Patna (PNBE) — The Number 1 Feeder City

Patna is the most important, popular and activeRailway station if you want to reach Sonpur Mela. Most of the visitors to this festival reach here via Patna. Here are some of the trains you can take:

INTERCITY EXP (13226)

- Departs from: DANAPUR

- Departure Time: 07:00

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 07:48

PNBE JYG INT EX (15550)

- Departs from: PATNA JN

- Departure Time: 15:15

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 16:23

YPR MFP SPL (06261)

- Departs from: DANAPUR

- Departure Time: 08:00

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 09:30

2. Hajipur (HJP) — The Official Gateway to the Fair

Hajipur Junction Railway Station is ridiculously close to Sonpur Junction. If you board the train from the Hajipur Junction, Sonpur Junction is just the next station.

Here are some of the trains you can take from Hajipur:

JYG LTT EXP (11062)

- Departs from: HAJIPUR JN

- Departure Time: 18:25

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 18:33

VAISHALI EXP (12553)

- Departs from: HAJIPUR JN

- Departure Time: 11:55

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 12:03

BJU GWL MAIL (11124)

- Departs from: DANAPUR

- Departure Time: 22:35

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 22:43

3. Muzaffarpur (MFP)

Muzaffarpur is another major town in Northern India which has numerous commercial ties with the city of Sonepur. Many people from this town visit the Sonpur Mela.

You can reach Sonpur from Muzaffarpur directly or first reach Hajipur and then Sonpur. Here are some of the trains that you can ride from Muzaffarpur to Sonpur:

PURBANCHAL EXP (15047)

- Departs from: MUZAFFARPUR JN

- Departure Time: 01:30

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 02:30

BJU GONDIA EXP (15231)

- Departs from: HAJIPUR JN

- Departure Time: 12:05

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 13:10

VANDE BHARAT EXP (26301)

- Departs from: MUZAFFARPUR JN

- Departure Time: 09:05

- Arrives At: HAJIPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 09:45

4. Chhapra (CPR) / Saran Region

Sonpur is located in the district called Saaran. Chhapra is also a city in Saaran. Therefore it is quite natural for a large number of visitors to this mela from the city of Chhapra.

Here are some of the trains you can take:

VAISHALI EXP (12554)

- Departs from: CHHAPRA

- Departure Time: 12:45

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 13:38

SWTANTRTA S EXP (12562)

- Departs from: CHHAPRA

- Departure Time: 12:55

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 13:48

PURVANCHAL EXP (15048)

- Departs from: CHHAPRA

- Departure Time: 14:50

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 15:43

5. Gorakhpur / Varanasi

A huge number of devotees reach Hariharnath Sonpur Mela from the neighbourhood cities of Gorakhpur and Varanasi. Here are some of the trains that connect Sonpur to these cities:

VAISHALI EXP (12554)

- Departs from: GORAKHPUR JN

- Departure Time: 09:30

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 13:38

DADN KYQ EXP (19305)

- Departs from: VARANASI JN

- Departure Time: 11:45

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 16:45

6. Delhi / NCR

Delhi also brings a number of devotees, traders, students and other individuals to this Sonpur Mela. You can reach Sonpur from Delhi or reach Sonpur directly through a few trains.

Here are some of the trains that connect:

SWTANTRTA S EXP (12562)

- Departs from: CHHAPRA

- Departure Time: 21:15

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 13:48

BIHAR S KRANTI (12566)

- Departs from: NEW DELHI

- Departure Time: 12:45

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 05:18

RJPB TEJAS RAJ (12310)

- Departs from: NEW DELHI

- Departure Time: 17:10

- Arrives At: PATNA JN

- Arrival Time: 04:40

7. Kolkata / Howrah

Kolkata is another city that brings a huge footfall to the iconic Sonpur Mela. A number of traders visit this meal from Kolkata for the purchase of cattle of the best breeds. Here are some of the trains that connect the city of Joy to Sonpur:

SDAH BUI EXPRES (13105)

- Departs from: SEALDAH

- Departure Time: 13:40

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 01:13

PURBANCHAL EXP (15047)

- Departs from: KOLKATA

- Departure Time: 14:35

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 02:30

BAGH EXPRESS (13019)

- Departs from: HOWRAH JN

- Departure Time: 21:45

- Arrives At: SONPUR JN

- Arrival Time: 11:18

Tips to Make Sonpur Mela 2025 Travel Smoother

We have discussed all the connecting trains across major cities. However a comfortable train journey tells you to be planned and well informed. We are now going to discuss some of RailMitra’s special services that can make your journey smooth and free from any troubles.

Train Schedule: Before boarding any train, you should look at its train schedule. This service gives official information about the trains’s halting stations, arrival timings, departure timings, duration of the halt and much more information about the train’s journey. You can also use this service to compare different trains and pick the one that suits you the best.
Train Seat Availability: Once you have picked the best train for your journey, it is time to see if there are seats available. You can check the number of seats available for booking via RailMitra’s train seat availability service.
PNR Status: PNR number is a 10 digit number provided uniquely to every booking with the Indian Railways. You can check your PNR Status in real time to track your booking status. This service also tells if the chart has been prepared or not.
Live Train Running Status: Before you set out to board your train, it is advised to check the current train timing with the help of live train running status service. This service tells you the exact location
Order food in train: If you are onboard a train and craving for restaurant style food, you can choose RailMitra train food delivery. We provide a wide range of cuisines that includes regional cuisines, international dishes as well. Your food will be delivered on your train seat.

Conclusion

Sonpur Mela 2025 is a brilliant opportunity to explore the heart and soil of India. The different activities, fun rides, beautiful animals and tasty food stalls await you. If you are an animal lover, this place is a literal paradise for you.

Visitors reach here through various regions of the country. Train ride presents a better travel option than other alternatives because of its affordability, dependability and convenience. Using RailMitra’s service you can make your journey comfortable and free from any unseen circumstances.