An elephant at Sonepur fair. Telegraph picture

The tourism department has taken a slew of measures to promote the famous Sonepur fair as a tourist hub and showcase its glorious history.

Sources said the department has floated tenders inviting private event management companies to organise the fair on the lines of Pushkar in Rajasthan and Kumbh Mela in Allahabad.

“The proposals would be finalised within a week and three national-level companies would be selected to take care of all aspects of the fair,” tourism minister Sunil Kumar “Pintu” said on Sunday.

He added that the plan to rejuvenate the cattle fair, held on Kartik Purnima in November every year, was initiated by chief minister Nitish Kumar. Nitish has entrusted the tourism department with the task of organising the fair from this year. Earlier, the revenue department used to organise it.

Describing the new plans for the fair, “Pintu” told The Telegraph: “The fair would be divided into four segments. The traditional cattle fair, exhibition of rural art, culture and cuisine, as well as traditional and modern entertainment, would have a sector each.”

The minister said the popular dance theatres at the festival, which many consider to be bawdy, would not allowed. “Instead, the department will promote folk dance and music. Well-known musicians and dancers would be invited to perform,” he said.

“Pintu” added: “The main thrust of the Sonepur fair would be to highlight the religious, historical and cultural aspects of the fair.”

Sources, however, said the organisers might be forced to curtail their extensive plans because of lack of available land to conduct the fair in the town. “There is a dearth of land and it is hampering the full implementation of our plans,” said “Pintu”.

He added: “But preparations are on to organise the fair on the limited land. We shall fulfil the commitment to develop the Sonepur fair into an important tourist hub over the coming years.”

Sonepur, located around 35km from Patna, attracts traders from places as distant as Central Asia. Nearly all animals can be bought at the Sonepur Fair.

Dogs, camels, buffaloes, donkeys, ponies, monkeys, chimpanzees, Persian horses, sheep, rabbits, bears, cats and guinea pigs — can be bought at the Sonepur Mela.

A variety of poultry and fishes are also available.

However, the area that attracts all is the one where elephants are lined up for sale. Elephants are no more sold at Sonepur fair. But they do change hands and for a price, claimed a source.

The source said: “Still a status symbol in rural Bihar, several people visit Sonepur to buy elephants. But deals are sealed under wraps because elephant trade is a punishable offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1992 (amended in 2006).”