Gaya/Patna : Preparations for Pitru Paksha Mela 2026 have gathered pace in Gaya, with the district administration focusing on security, sanitation, healthcare, accommodation and traffic management ahead of the annual pilgrimage.
The mela will be held from September 25 to October 10, during which a large number of pilgrims from across India and abroad are expected to arrive in Gaya to perform pind daan rituals for the peace and salvation of their ancestors.
To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, the district administration has constituted 21 dedicated administrative cells to oversee different aspects of the arrangements.
21 Cells Formed for Pitru Paksha Mela
The administrative cells will look after accommodation, sanitation, drinking water, healthcare, electricity, traffic, security, information management and disaster management, among other responsibilities.
Officials have been directed to complete preparations within the stipulated timeframe and ensure coordination between different departments during the mela.
CCTV, Drones to Strengthen Security
With a large influx of pilgrims expected during the mela, security arrangements are being strengthened across Gaya.
Temporary CCTV cameras and drone surveillance are planned at key locations to monitor crowd movement and identify potential security concerns.
Police camps will be established at important points, while magistrates and police personnel will be deployed across the mela area. Adequate arrangements for both male and female police personnel will also be made.
Special Safety Measures at Pind Daan Sites
The administration is giving special attention to major sites associated with pind daan.
Officials have inspected several locations, including Vaitarni Sarovar, where safety measures are being planned in view of the depth of the water.
Barricading and red flags will be installed at vulnerable points. Instructions have also been issued to clean the pond, remove algae from the steps and repair damaged tiles to minimise the risk of accidents.
Accommodation Arrangements for Pilgrims
Pilgrims arriving from outside Gaya will be accommodated in identified hotels, dharamshalas, guest houses, schools, colleges and other suitable buildings.
A tent city may also be developed if required to accommodate the additional rush.
Accommodation centres will be equipped with drinking water, toilets, lighting, fans and other basic facilities. Separate toilet facilities will be arranged for male and female pilgrims.
Health Camps and Ambulances to Be Deployed
Healthcare arrangements will be strengthened across the mela area to deal with medical emergencies and provide immediate assistance to pilgrims.
Temporary health camps will be established with doctors and paramedical staff. Essential medicines and medical equipment will be kept available, while ambulances will also be deployed at strategic locations.
Patients requiring specialised treatment will be shifted to hospitals through an emergency referral system.
Drinking Water and Sanitation to Get Priority
The administration is also focusing on clean drinking water and sanitation facilities across the mela area.
Existing hand pumps will be repaired, while water tankers will be deployed wherever necessary. Temporary toilets will be installed at major pilgrimage sites and other crowded locations.
Regular cleaning of roads, ghats and public areas will also be carried out throughout the mela period.
Traffic and Parking Plans Being Prepared
The expected rise in pilgrim footfall has prompted the administration to work on a dedicated traffic management plan.
Parking areas will be identified and police assistance centres established at important locations. Arrangements will also be made to facilitate the movement of pilgrims from the railway station and bus stand to major religious sites.
Roads and Electricity Infrastructure to Be Upgraded
Major roads and connecting routes in the mela area will be repaired ahead of the event. Drainage arrangements will also be improved to prevent waterlogging.
The administration plans to repair faulty transformers, damaged electricity poles and worn-out wires. Additional streetlights and high-mast lights may also be installed at locations requiring improved illumination.
Information Centres and Control Room
Information centres and help desks will be established at key locations to assist pilgrims.
A 24-hour control room and call centre will be operated during the mela. A dedicated lost-and-found facility will help reunite pilgrims who become separated from their families.
The administration also plans to update its website and mobile application with important information related to the mela.
Religious and Cultural Programmes Planned
Religious and cultural programmes will be organised at the Vishnupad Temple complex and other designated locations during Pitru Paksha Mela.
The district administration has also invited applications from artists interested in performing during the cultural programmes.
Administration Aims to Complete Preparations on Time
Pitru Paksha Mela is one of Gaya’s most significant religious and tourism events, attracting pilgrims from across India and abroad for pind daan and related rituals.
With the mela scheduled from September 25 to October 10, the administration is working to complete arrangements for security, accommodation, healthcare, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, traffic and emergency services before the pilgrimage begins.
Officials have been assigned specific responsibilities to ensure that the city is fully prepared to handle the expected influx of pilgrims and provide them with a safe and convenient pilgrimage experience.
