All images, writing, content, design and layout on this website are Copyright ©Steve Davey/stevedavey.com 1980-2023. All rights reserved. Any unauthorised reproduction is strictly prohibited. See copyright for more details.

Sonepur Mela, India

Every year on the Kartik Poornima full moon, lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of pilgrims flock to the confluence of the Gandak and Ganges rivers for a Holy Dip. Billed as one of the largest livestock fairs in Asia, Sonepur is most famous for the Haathi or elehant bazaar, where dozens of elephants are traded under a series of sprawling, shady trees.

All sorts of other animals are traded at the fair, including horses, goats, cattle and the occasional camel. The mela is bustling and crowded, but has a unique and friendly atmosphere.