Jharkhand has a vibrant culture that has become its identity over time. Be it the arts and crafts, or the festivals and fairs, or the rituals, values, beliefs, and habits, the state has always emerged to the rest of the world as colorful and rich.
Being one of the oldest civilization, existing since the Mesolithic-Chalcolithic period, Jharkhand still follows the old habits of care and humanity. The old generation still continues to pass on their beliefs and cultures to the upcoming generation.
One such custom is the Kundri Mela, a popular fair conducted every year in Pratappur during the month of Kartik (October - November) and mainly on Kartik Purnima. Apart from Jharkhand, the fair is also popular among the neighboring states of Chattisgarh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh.
Why You Should Attend Kundri Mela?
We often have heard about how trade fairs were conducted in ancient India. Merchants and traders used to come together from all over the country in a village set up to trade fine cotton, silk fabric, spices, indigo, sugar, and also animals in exchange for other goods or money.
Kundri Mela takes you back to such bygone trade fairs. Also, known as the Cattle trade fair, Kundri Mela brings together the enthusiastic sellers and buyers of livestock and is considered to be one of the main fairs of the state.
The main attraction of the fair is the beautifully decorated cattle. Sellers adorn their cattle with garlands, bright and shiny clothes to make them look attractive to the buyers. Sellers from different parts of the state can be seen negotiating with the buyers over the best cattle all across the fair.
Not only cattle trading but the fair is also known for displaying the best tribal art and crafts. Small shops selling handicrafts items made by the tribal women are set up. Also, it is the best place to try some authentic traditional food of Jharkhand.
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Tribal people also perform traditional dances and songs for the visitors. Apart from the fair, the lush green surrounding of Pratappur also lures travelers. One can explore the tribal village on their visit to Kundri Mela.
Origin
It was as early as 1882 that the cattle fairs started in Jharkhand and since then it is being held every year in the different parts of the state. Kundri Mela started somewhere in the 1930s. Some of the other annual cattle fairs that take place in Jharkhand are Chatra mela, Kolhaiya Mela, Tutilawa Mela, Lawalong Mela, and the Belgada Mela.
Location
Pratappur is located in the Chatra district of Jharkhand, 42 KM from the town of Chatra, and 163 KM from Ranchi, the capital city. Chatra has many religious tourism sites as well as waterfalls.
Nearest Railway Station
The nearest railway station is Chatra (Station Code: CTR). The station is a small railway halt and is located on the Sahibganj Loop. It is not well connected with major cities.
The nearest railway station that is connected well with all the cities is Hazaribagh Town Railway Station (Station Code: HZBN) located at a distance of 97 KM.
Nearest Airport
The nearest airport to Pratappur is Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi located at a distance of 168 KM.
The nearest International airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra International Airport, Kolkata located at a distance of 497 KM.
Restaurants And Hotels
Pratappur has small restaurants and a few lodges however it will be better to stay in the town of Chatra.
Cover Picture Credit: Cranium Bolts
