Patna, Nov 21 (IANS): Sonepur cattle fair, considered as Asia's largest such event, began in Bihar on Wednesday with hundreds of people from rural areas thronging the fair to enjoy the unique flavour of an age-old tradition.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi inaugurated the fair and said that the government is committed to promote this fair which is the "pride of India and not only of Bihar".

"The government will develop this on the lines of a global fair to attract more and more domestic and foreign tourists in the coming years."

The cattle fair is held annually, beginning on Kartik Poornima, at Sonepur in Saran district, about 30 km from Patna. It will be held for 32 days this year.

The fair ground is an extensive 500 acres of land near the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers.

Cows, buffaloes, oxen, goats, horses, donkeys, monkeys, rabbits, bears, cats and guinea pigs are traded at the fair.

Boat rides and free elephant rides at the fair have over the years become immensely popular among the visitors.