Visitors can expect an array of cultural and religious activities at the month-long Sonepur Mela — the largest cattle fair in Asia — slated to kick off this Saturday.

For the first time, aarti would be conducted on the banks of the Gandak on Saturday evenings. Besides, the state tourism department has allocated Rs 15 lakh for religious discourse at Hariharnath temple. Around 50 artistes have been roped in to perform in the cultural programmes during the fair as well as in the three-day-long Harihar Kshetra Cultural Festival from November 29. The art, culture and youth affairs department is looking after the cultural events.

“Twenty government departments have booked stalls. Kiosks of readymade garments, handicrafts, electronics gadgets and automobiles would also be there,” said Umashankar Prasad, director, state tourism department.

Sources in the tourism department claimed that there would be six traditional folk theatres. Strict vigil would be maintained to ensure nothing vulgar is staged.

Around five lakh devotees from across the globe are expected take holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the Gandak at Sonepur, around 35km north of Patna, on Sunday morning on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima. The state government on Tuesday decided revenue and land reforms minister Ramai Ram would be inaugurating the fair at 3pm on November 16 though an invitation was sent to the chief minister, Nitish Kumar.