2017-03-07 Tue

Mela also known as Fairs are part of the festival. The fair held in India are either religious fairs or a celebration of the change of seasons.

Khumbh Mela, a type of a religious fair, is the largest gathering in the world. Kumbh Mela is a gathering of Hindu pilgrims which is celebrated every twelve years alternating at four holy places Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. During this big fair, Hindus pilgrims gather at the sacred Ganges River for a holy bath. The major attractions of this biggest religious fair are the procession of Naga Sadhu “Holy Men of India” and procession of Akharas marching.

The Sonepur Cattle Fair held (November) on full moon day in Bihar, on the confluence of river Ganges and Gandak. Sonepur fair is also known as the Harihar Chhetra Mela. The Sonepur Fair is only one of its kind in the world. Haathi Bazaar is one of the major attractions of the fairs, where elephants are lined up for sale. Apart from this all breeds of buffaloes, donkeys, ponies and birds are also available for sale. The largest animal fair in Indian attracts peoples from all around the Asia.

The Carnival Fest takes place in Goa every February. For three days and nights the streets come alive with lights and color. This was introduced by Portuguese in India and till now it is continued.

To celebrate this rich Indian culture India Post issued a Miniature sheet having four stamps on these Fairs! The face value of this stamp is INR 20.

So this year let’s participate in these vibrant Indian fairs!