Sonepur Fair
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | February 27, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 800,000 |
| Perforation | 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Shri Kamleshwar Singh |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 2192 Stamp Number IN 2185 Yvert et Tellier IN 1957 Stanley Gibbons IN 2384 WADP Numbering System - WNS IN008.2007 |
| Themes | Animals (Fauna) | Bridges | Elephants | Fairs | Festivals | Mammals |
Asia’s Historic Animal Fair
Sonepur Fair, held annually in Bihar, is one of Asia’s largest and most historic cattle fairs. Deeply rooted in India’s age-old mela tradition, the fair is a vibrant blend of commerce, devotion, and rural celebration. Organized during the Hindu month of Kartika (October–November), it draws traders, pilgrims, tourists, and performers from across the country.
As part of its commemorative series on “Fairs of India,” the Department of Posts honored Sonepur Fair with a special postage stamp, celebrating its cultural and historical importance.
A Historic Trading Centre
Sonepur is located at the sacred confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers, about 40 km from Patna. The fair has a history dating back to the fourth century B.C. It is believed that Chandragupta Maurya, the great emperor of ancient India, purchased elephants and horses for his army from this very fair.
Traditionally famous for the sale of elephants, the fair also deals in cattle, horses, birds, dogs, and other animals. The scale and variety of trade make Sonepur Fair one of the most significant livestock markets in Asia.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Beyond commerce, Sonepur Fair holds deep religious importance. Thousands of devotees gather on Kartika Purnima to take a holy dip at the river confluence, considered highly auspicious. Pilgrims also visit the revered Hariharnath Temple located nearby.
The fairgrounds come alive with folk performances, jugglers, rural markets, handicraft stalls, and local cuisine. This combination of spiritual devotion and festive entertainment creates a unique and colorful atmosphere.
Commemorative Stamp on Sonepur Fair
Recognizing its extraordinary heritage and cultural value, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp on Sonepur Fair under the “Fairs of India” series.
The stamp beautifully reflects the grandeur of the fair—its historic animal trade, devotional gatherings, and vibrant rural celebrations. Through this philatelic tribute, India Post celebrates Sonepur Fair as a living symbol of India’s socio-cultural diversity and age-old traditions.
Sonepur Fair continues to uphold its legacy as a grand confluence of history, faith, and rural enterprise.
First Day Cover
