Bounsi Mela Ground
Historical Fair: The Bounsi Mela Ground is the site of one of Bihar’s most famous and ancient fairs, held annually during Makar Sankranti. The fair is deeply rooted in local tradition and is inextricably linked to the religious significance of Mandar Hill. For over a century, this ground has serve d as a meeting point for people from Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. It is a massive open space that transforms into a mini-city during the festival, filled with stalls, amusement rides, and cultural stages. The fair promotes local handicrafts, especially the famous silk and handloom products of the Banka district. It is also a major cattle fair where farmers from distant villages come to trade. The atmosphere is electric with the sounds of folk music, the smell of local delicacies like Tilkut, and the cheers of children on giant wheels. Even during the off-season, the ground remains a significant landmark, used for various community gatherings and sports events. It represents the vibrant communal spirit and the rich agricultural heritage of the region. A visit to the ground during the mela is a sensory explosion that stays in the memory of every traveler.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Half Day (Mela Time)Place Type:
Cultural / EventsEntry Fees:
Free Entry to Ground: There is no entry fee to enter the Bounsi Mela Ground, allowing free access to everyone during the fair.
Event Tickets: While entry is free, specific amusement rides and some private shows within the fair may charge a s...Free Entry to Ground: There is no entry fee to enter the Bounsi Mela Ground, allowing free access to everyone during the fair.
Event Tickets: While entry is free, specific amusement rides and some private shows within the fair may charge a small ticket price.Timing:
Mela Timings: During the festival, the ground is active from 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the maximum crowd arriving in the evening.
Ideal Visit Time: For a peaceful experience, visit during the morning; for the full festive vibe, the evening...Mela Timings: During the festival, the ground is active from 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the maximum crowd arriving in the evening.
Ideal Visit Time: For a peaceful experience, visit during the morning; for the full festive vibe, the evening after 05:00 PM is best.Special Events:
Makar Sankranti Mela: The main event starting on January 14th, lasting for about a month, drawing lakhs of visitors to the ground.
Tribal Festivals: Periodic events celebrating the culture of the Santhal and other local tribes with music, da...Makar Sankranti Mela: The main event starting on January 14th, lasting for about a month, drawing lakhs of visitors to the ground.
Tribal Festivals: Periodic events celebrating the culture of the Santhal and other local tribes with music, dance, and traditional archery.Best Photo Spots:
The Ferris Wheel: Capturing the spinning lights of the giant wheel against the dark night sky for a classic fairground photograph.
Crowd Perspectives: Taking shots from an elevated point to show the massive sea of people and the rows of colo...The Ferris Wheel: Capturing the spinning lights of the giant wheel against the dark night sky for a classic fairground photograph.
Crowd Perspectives: Taking shots from an elevated point to show the massive sea of people and the rows of colorful stalls extending to the horizon.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Shopping for Crafts: Buying traditional "Banka Silk" sarees and handmade bamboo furniture directly from the weavers and craftsmen.
Experiencing Rides: Enjoying the traditional manual giant wheels and carousels that bring a nostalgic charm to the fair experience.
Folk Performance: Watching live "Jat-Jatin" or "Bidesiya" dance performances on the main stage during the evening hours of the mela.
Tasting Local Flavors: Indulging in seasonal sweets like Lai, Gajak, and hot Jalebis prepared fresh at the stalls.
Photography: Capturing the vibrant colors of the fair, the diverse faces of the pilgrims, and the decorated cattle in the trading section.
Socializing: Meeting people from different states and l...
Information
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Why Famous:
Ancient Tradition: It is famous for hosting the Bounsi Mela, which is considered one of the largest and oldest rural fairs in eastern India.
Cultural Showcase: The ground is renowned for being the platform where the unique Angika culture and...Ancient Tradition: It is famous for hosting the Bounsi Mela, which is considered one of the largest and oldest rural fairs in eastern India.
Cultural Showcase: The ground is renowned for being the platform where the unique Angika culture and local folk arts are presented to the world. -
Architecture:
Fairground Layout: The architecture of the ground is an expansive flat terrain designed to accommodate thousands of temporary stalls and large crowds.
Main Stage Structure: A permanent concrete stage with a roof is situated at one end for ho...Fairground Layout: The architecture of the ground is an expansive flat terrain designed to accommodate thousands of temporary stalls and large crowds.
Main Stage Structure: A permanent concrete stage with a roof is situated at one end for hosting cultural performances and government ceremonies.
Entry Portals: During the fair, grand temporary gates are built at the entrances, showcasing traditional Bihari art and modern decorative themes. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Deoghar Airport (approx. 60 KMS) is the most convenient airport, offering quick access to Bounsi via the main highway.
By Train: Mandar Hill (Bounsi) Railway Station is very close to the ground, with several passenger and express tr... -
Near Tourist Places:
Mandar Hill (2 KMS), Avantika Nath Temple (2 KMS), Papharni Lake (2 KMS), Odhni Dam (12 KMS), Banka (18 KMS), Deoghar (65 KMS), Bhagalpur (50 KMS), Badua Dam (45 KMS), Lakshdeepa Temple (3 KMS), Chandan River (5 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Keep a close watch on children and carry a card with contact details in case of separation in the massive mela crowds.
Packing: Wear comfortable clothes that can handle dust, and carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydra...
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Information about New and Updated Locations(521+) of Bihar Has Been Added :-
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Kesariya StupaKumhrar ParkRohtasgarh FortRuins of VikramshilaValmiki Tiger ReserveBio-Diversity ParkFanishwar Nath Renu JungleForbesganj Mela GroundJogbaniJokihat MosqueMaata Aasawar MandirRampur Over BridgeRaniganj Vriksh VatikaShiva MandirSultan PhokherBaba Bateshwarnath TempleBaithakji Hajipur Baraila Lake More PlacesNote:-
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