Kolhaiya Mela is one of the popular cattle fairs of the Indian state of Jharkhand. The fair is celebrated at Chatra with much pomp and splendor. The tribal people of the state participate in the fair with great joy. There are several cattle fairs of Jharkhand which are Chatra Mela, Kundri mela, Tutilawa Mela etc. Kolhaiya Mela, like other cattle fairs in Jharkhand originated much earlier, around the year 1925. It is one of the significant sources of income for the people of Jharkhand. This fair is also enjoyed by the people of other nearby states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Celebration of Kolhaiya Mela
It takes place, once a year, in the Hindu month of Maagh and mainly on Maagh Basant Panchami. The mela is said to have a religious significance as it is always observed on the Maagh Basant Panchami. Traders from varied distant places flock to the state to be able to buy and sell cattle in the fair. They also decorate their animals with colourful cloths and jewelleries to make them look attractive. Buying cattle is considered a lucky symbol in the state of Jharkhand. Like all other cattle fairs, Kolhaiya Mela is equally important as it is also the source of income for the people of Jharkhand.
The other attractions of the fair are the colourful temporary stalls selling traditional jewelleries, ethnic cloths, grocery items and scrumptious sweets and snacks. The locals clad in their best attires visit the fair with great fervor. Such fairs are an ideal platform to know about the rich culture of state and mingle with the varied tribal people.
Connectivity to Kolhaiya Mela
Kolhaiya Mela can easily be accessed as Jharkhand has well air, rail and road connectivity. The nearest airport is at Ranchi (state capital) which connects the state with major Indian cities like Kolkata, Patna, Mumbai and New Delhi. The two important railheads in the state are Ranchi railway station and Hazaribagh. Several express trains connect Ranchi and Hazaribagh with Patna, Kolkata and other important places of the country. Ranchi is situated at the junction of National Highways 23 and 33. Thus, good network connects the fair with various places of the state.
