It is one of the largest cattle fairs in Asia. The mela is held in Sonepur, Bihar at the confluence of the River Ganga and the Gandak. It usually takes place in November on the Kartik Poornima, a day considered auspicious by the Hindus. It is the only fair where large numbers of elephants are sold and legend says Chandragupta Maurya used to buy elephants and horse during this fair.