People at the Gandak riverbank during Sonepur fair

The Sonepur Mela, hitherto associated with the rustic charm of an animal fair, would take its first step towards a global outlook this November.

The state government plans to set up an industries mandap (tent) to display artefacts from the state.

Two departments have plans in place to use the month-long event as a platform to showcase the contemporary art forms of Bihar.

The mela would start on November 4.

An official of the industries department told The Telegraph that the industries mandap would be also put up products for sale. In addition, the tourism department is mulling presenting the exhibition as an art and craft event rather than a market for cattle.

“The fair generally consists of stalls selling things of daily use. Though some companies set up shops selling utensils, decorative items and even weapons like swords and daggers, the event is known for the sale and purchase of animals. However, this time the fair would give artists and other skilled people an opportunity to showcase their talents,” an official of the industries department said.

He added: “Sculpture, Madhubani paintings, pottery, ceramics and other artwork would be displayed. Our department intends to put up various art forms for display and sale. This would promote the handicraft of the state, the artists would get recognition and it would add variety to the fair.”

Apart from the several art forms, information about the artists, too, would be provided.

“There are many forms of art in the state. We have art forms of bamboo, cane, sikki, stone carvings, woodcraft, block paintings, embroidery, metal craft and others. These are modern art forms but have not gained much popularity like the globally acclaimed Madhubani painting. People from all over the world come down to the fair. If the state government promotes the art forms, these are bound to get popular. Tourists would be able to buy these local products, which in turn, would increase the reach of these art forms. If this is followed each year, the mela will break away from just being a cattle fair to something more modern and contemporary. The implementation of the plan is bound to attract more people from outside the state and even the country,” the official said.

Earlier, officials of the tourism department said the state government was trying to upgrade the fair in the form of an art and crafts event with a focus on encouraging local artists.

Depak Prasad, the principal secretary of the tourism department, had said an artisan village would be set up on the premises and works by artists from various corners of the state would be put up for sale.

“It is important to modify the outlook of the fair a bit, without changing its soul. The fair starts on Kartik Purnima. On the first day, thousands take a holy dip in the Gandak. The animals, especially the elephants, are the essence of the fair. The state government would keep the essence intact but add a different touch to the event in order to attract more people,” he added.