Chatra Mela is a colourful festival of Chatra district of the Indian state of Jharkhand. It is primarily a cattle fair and has been the focal point of plethora of people who want to deal in such trades. The history of Chatra Mela goes back to the year 1882. It is organized between September and October during the occasion of Durga Puja or Dussehra. Chatra Mela is an important fair for the people of Jharkhand as it escalates the economy of the state.
Celebration of Chatra Mela
The fair is celebrated with great pomp and show. It is participated by a large number of people who flock to the festival from varied distant places. Since it is an animal fair, here one can find varieties of cattle and other animal traders who deal in purchasing and selling of cattle and other animals like cows, bullocks, goats and sheep. In order to make the cattle look attractive, many people color their cattle in different colors and don them in colorful embroidered clothes. Such fair is a crucial source of income for the people of the state. Moreover, buying cattle is considered a symbol of fortune in the state of Jharkhand.
This eastern Indian state is home to many tribes and thus during this fair tourists can be able to watch many tribal people. On this occasion, they put on spic and span clothes and travel around. The tribal people and this fair collectively represent the rich heritage and culture of the state. The other attractions of Chatra Mela are the different temporary stalls that sell grocery items, ethnic jewelleries and delicious snacks.
Connectivity to Chatra Mela
Chatra Mela can easily be reached as the town of Chatra is well linked by airway, railway and roadway with all the major cities of the country like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Calicut etc. The nearest airport is at Ranchi which is located at a distance of 112 kilometers from Chatra. The nearest railway station is at Gaya which is located at a distance of around 73 kilometers from the district. Efficient bus facilities are available from both the airport and railhead.
