Jharkhand is famous for the cattle fairs held in the state. The Chatra Mela is one such well known cattle fairs held in the state. The Chatra Mela is essentially cattle fair but the locals also perform religious rites and rituals in order to propitiate the Goddess Durga. The natives chiefly indulge in buying and selling cattle in this fair. The cows, bullocks, goats and sheep are decked up in colorful and embroidered clothing. This enhances their appeal and allows the owner a scope to bargain with the buyer and extract a higher price for it.
The auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami had been chosen for decades to host this grand event, the Chatra Mela in Jharkhand Hindu mythology holds that the Goddess Durga combated the villainous demon, Mahishasura on Durga Ashtami. Her victory over him marks the victory of good over evil and the triumph of righteousness over tyranny. Thus this auspicious occasion heralds the beginning of prosperity for the Hindus. This is the reason the natives of Jharkand prefer to buy cattle, a symbol of fortune, on this day. On this hallowed occasion, the natives also propitiate the Goddess by offering a variety of seasonal and fragrant flowers. On this day, the local folks offer flowers and recite incantations in order to display their respect and gratitude towards 'Mahisasuramardini' or Goddess Durga.
The Chatra Mela at Jharkhand is feted by the inhabitants of Jharkhand with a lot of gaiety and good cheer. It is believed that the Chatra Mela of Jharkhand was first instituted in the year 1882.