Kundri Mela is a vibrant celebration of culture, devotion, and tradition held every year in the heart of Bihar. This lively fair is deeply rooted in the region's history and spirituality, drawing crowds from all walks of life. Known for its spiritual significance, the mela is centered around the sacred Kundri Temple, where devotees gather to seek blessings and offer prayers.
As the fair unfolds, the atmosphere comes alive with colorful stalls, melodious folk music, and the aroma of traditional delicacies. From mesmerizing performances to lively bazaars filled with local crafts, the Kundri Mela offers a unique blend of festivity and faith.
Families, friends, and travelers flock to experience the warmth and charm of this celebration, creating unforgettable memories. The Kundri Mela is more than just an event; it’s a reflection of Bihar’s rich cultural heritage and an invitation to immerse yourself in its vibrant traditions.
Major Attractions of Kundri Mela
1. Kundri Temple Rituals
The spiritual essence of the mela lies in the sacred rituals performed at Kundri Temple, where devotees offer prayers and participate in special ceremonies.
2. Vibrant Cultural Performances
Folk dances, melodious music, and theatrical plays showcasing local traditions captivate visitors, adding charm to the festivities.
3. Traditional Bazaars
The bustling markets offer handicrafts, jewelry, traditional garments, and local specialties, making them a shopper’s paradise.
4. Delicious Cuisine
Stalls serving regional delicacies like litti-chokha, sweets, and street food are a treat for food enthusiasts.
5. Animal Fairs
A unique attraction, the mela features a lively cattle fair, where farmers and traders gather to buy and sell livestock.
6. Amusement Rides and Games
For families and children, the mela offers giant wheels, merry-go-rounds, and fun games, creating a joyful experience.
7. Spiritual Discourses and Kirtans
Renowned saints and spiritual leaders often host enlightening discourses and kirtans, spreading messages of peace and devotion.
Read More : Places To Visit in Jharkhand
Major Attractions of Kundri Mela
The major highlight of Kundri Mela in Chatra is traders getting their cattle in the fair in colourful attires, making them look unique.
This cattle fair holds many other attractions as well which include tribal dance performances, folk music performances, various competitions, and even sports events. All this and much more makes Kundri Mela a must-visit do.
Apart from that, cattle are also on sale here which is a lot more fun then what people think it is, as the way people bargain on them will certainly tickle your funny bones.
How to Reach
Jharkhand is one of the youngest states of India and it is 1,271, 413, 1,859, and 2,005 km from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru respectively. Kundri Fair is certainly worth a visit for all the globetrotters and if you are keen on ticking it off your travel bucket list then here's how you can reach Chatra, the venue of this fair.
By Air. The nearest airport from Chatra is the Gaya Airport, located at an approximate distance of 60-75 km. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India have good connectivity here.
The Gaya Airport is an international airport connected with other Indian cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow. Apart from Gaya airport, the Ranchi one is also a prominent airport, connecting Jharkhand with other Indian cities.
Chatra is nearly 156km away from Ranchi Airport, hence, after you deboard at the airport, you will have to cover the remaining distance via some means of public transport.
By Road. Chatra is well-connected with the major Indian cities, hence, planning a road trip would not be much of a task, especially, if you have good company tagging along. Here's the route you can follow from different cities to reach Chatra.
- Delhi - 1,117 km via NH 19 or NH 43
- Kanpur - 597 km via NH19
- Lucknow - 586 km via NH19
- Gwalior - 858 km via NH 19
- Jaipur - 1,146 km via Agra-Lucknow Expressway or NH 19
You can also rely on interstate buses to reach this place.
By Train. Chatra has its own small railway halt, Chatra Railway Station. But you need to note here that it is a small railway station and is not very well-connected with the railway stations of the major cities. However, if you are still planning on visiting Chatra by train then you can opt for the nearby railway stations that are in Ranchi, Koderma, and Gaya.
Some other places that have good train connectivity with Chatra are Patna, Varanasi, and Sahibganj. Here's how you can get there via train.
- Patna - ANVT SDAH EXP from Patna Junction
- Varanasi - ANVT SDAH EXP from Varanasi Junction
- Sahibganj - BSB SDAH EXPRESS from Sahibganj Junction
After you deboard at Chatra, you will need to cover the remaining distance via public transport like a cab or a bus.
Read More : Festivals in Jharkhand
Frequently Asked Questions about Kundri Mela
Q1. What is the Kundri Mela known for?
A1. Kundri Mela is renowned for its vibrant blend of spirituality, culture, and tradition. It is celebrated around the sacred Kundri Temple, featuring rituals, cultural performances, bustling markets, and unique attractions like the cattle fair.
Q2. When is Kundri Mela held every year?
A2. Kundri Mela is usually held during the winter months, coinciding with auspicious dates according to the Hindu calendar. The exact dates may vary each year, so it’s best to confirm locally.
Q3. Where is Kundri Mela located?
A3. Kundri Mela takes place in Bihar, with the main festivities centered around the historic Kundri Temple. The location attracts visitors from across the state and beyond.
Q4. What are the major attractions at Kundri Mela?
A4. Major attractions include temple rituals, cultural performances, traditional bazaars, delicious regional cuisine, amusement rides, a cattle fair, and spiritual discourses by saints.
Q5. Is Kundri Mela suitable for families?
A5. Absolutely! Kundri Mela is a family-friendly event offering activities and attractions for all age groups, including amusement rides, games, and delicious food stalls, ensuring everyone has a memorable time.