Sonepur: The world-famous Harihar Kshetra Sonepur Cattle Fair has found unlikely celebrities this year: a 24-inch stallion named Badal and a 16-inch filly called Varsha Rani. The pint-sized pair has become the most talked-about attraction at the month-long event, outshining even the biggest and most exotic breeds.
Their arrival has filled the horse market with a constant buzz — and a crush of visitors eager for selfies.
Crowds flock to see the tiny duo
Owned by Bhatun Bhagat from Saharsa district, the two miniature horses have become the fair’s biggest sensation. Badal, aged six, and Varsha Rani, only a year old, are counted among the smallest horses in the world. Visitors queue up to lift them, photograph them and post videos that are now racing across social media.
“These are family to us. They’re not for sale,” Bhagat said. “People offer lakhs, but we bring them only for exhibition. Their value can’t be measured.”
Bhagat, who has been attending the Sonepur Mela since 1996, says he has “never seen this kind of affection or crowds” in nearly three decades.
Not for sale, only for display
Despite persistent offers, the owner insists the pair is not on the market.
“They are like my children,” he added. “This time, people are travelling from faraway districts just to see them.”
Dozens of breeds present — but one tiny pair dominates
The Sonepur Mela, renowned globally for its diversity of horse breeds, hosts hundreds of horses from across India every year. Yet this time, even the tallest and most muscular breeds have been eclipsed by Badal and Varsha Rani’s charm.
Crowds spill over into the corner of the fair where the dwarf duo is housed, attracting young children, families and seasoned breeders alike.
‘Lukka’, the 2.75-ft performer, stuns the crowd
Adding to the spectacle is ‘Lukka’, a 2.75-foot-tall horse brought by Sitamarhi-based veterinarian Dr Jitendra Yadav. Acquired from the Nepal–China border, Lukka dances, performs stunts and responds to cues — drawing an enthusiastic circle of spectators throughout the day.
“In 17 years of coming to Sonepur, I’ve never seen such excitement,” Dr Yadav said.
“Lukka is tiny but incredibly talented. People call him the fair’s superstar.”
‘Jaanbaaz’ and ‘Cobra’: strength and speed on display
Dr Yadav’s camp is also home to:
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Jaanbaaz — one of the tallest and strongest horses from the Bihar-UP belt
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Cobra — a speed specialist known for his agility and showmanship
Visitors gather to capture the trio in photos and videos, creating daily viral moments across platforms.
“We don’t bring them to sell — only to spread joy,” Yadav said. “People offer crores, but love matters more.”
A month-long fair of rare breeds and vibrant traditions
The Sonepur Fair, held from November 9 to December 10, is considered the world’s largest cattle fair, drawing exhibitors of cows, buffaloes, goats, dogs and horses from across India — and beyond.
This year’s event, however, firmly belongs to the miniature wonders.
