India - Bihar - Elephant handlers take their animals to bathe in the river Gandak, Sonepur

Mahouts (handlers) take their elephants down to the banks of the Gandak river (a tributary of the Ganges) during the month long Sonepur animal fair outside Patna city, Bihar province, to bathe and drink. Thousands of pilgrims also participate in this popular and well known annual event which attracts buyers and sellers from all over India.