Hajipur, December 5 (IANS). The world famous Sonpur fair held in Bihar has not only become a center of attraction for the domestic tourists but foreign tourists are also attracted here. The tourism department is leaving no stone unturned to attract foreign tourists to the Harihar Kshetra Sonpur Fair which has cherished its glorious past.
This fair, which starts every year on Kartik Purnima, was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on 13 November this year. So far, more than 22 foreign tourists have reached this fair. These are those foreign tourists who are staying in the Swiss cottages built in the fair premises in a rural environment with modern amenities.
An official of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation said that so far 10 tourists from France and four from Nepal have participated in this month-long fair. Apart from this, a group from Italy also enjoyed the Sonpur fair, which included eight people.
He claimed that many foreign tourists are coming here to enjoy the fair by staying in various hotels in Patna and Hajipur. The Tourism Department has arranged luxury buses for tourists traveling to and from Patna. All modern comforts have been provided in these cottages built in a rural environment. To ensure that foreign tourists do not face any problem, facilities of restaurant and parking have also been made available.
He said that 145 tourists from different states of the country have also enjoyed the fair by staying in Swiss Cottage. These include maximum tourists from Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. The foreign tourists who come to this month long fair are also overwhelmed to see the markets and other games of the fair.
A tourist from France said, “I have heard a lot about the Sonpur fair. I enjoyed the well of death and various swings here.” The attraction of animals in this fair still remains in the hearts of people.
–IANS
MNP/FZ
