Gaya/Patna: The Bihar Tourism Department is gearing up to provide accommodation and other facilities for devotees arriving in Gaya during Pitru Paksha Mela 2026, which will be held from September 25 to October 10.
Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh has directed officials to complete all preparations on time. The annual religious gathering is expected to attract lakhs of pilgrims from across India and abroad, who visit Gaya to perform Tarpan and Pind Daan for their ancestors.
The department said the preparations are aimed at making the pilgrimage more convenient, organised and comfortable for devotees.
2,500-Bed Tent City to Come Up in Gaya
The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) is setting up a 2,500-bed tent city to accommodate pilgrims during the mela.
A temporary tourist information centre will also be established to provide visitors with information about accommodation, religious sites, routes and other facilities.
A dedicated helpline is also being developed through which pilgrims will be able to access important information during their stay.
E-Rickshaws to Help Pilgrims Move Around
To facilitate local movement, e-rickshaw services will be operated for pilgrims who require assistance.
Tourist guides will also be deployed at information centres and key locations to help devotees and visitors navigate Gaya and access information about important religious and tourist destinations.
Mahaaarti Planned Along Falgu River
A Mahaaarti will be organised on the banks of the Falgu River during the Pitru Paksha period.
The Tourism Department also plans to install toran gates and information and directional signage at important religious and tourist locations.
Brochures containing information about Pitru Paksha and key attractions will be made available to pilgrims.
Travel Packages and E-Pind Daan Facility
BSTDC is also working on travel packages for devotees visiting Gaya.
An e-Pind Daan facility is also being arranged to provide an additional option for people who are unable to perform the ritual in person.
The initiatives are part of a broader effort to improve the pilgrimage experience and strengthen Gaya’s position as a major religious tourism destination.
‘Pitru Paksha Mela: Ek Influencer Ki Nazar Se’ Competition
For the first time, the Tourism Department is organising an influencer competition titled “Pitru Paksha Mela: Ek Influencer Ki Nazar Se” to promote the festival on social media.
The initiative will encourage influencers to showcase Bihar’s cultural heritage, religious significance and tourism potential through social media platforms.
Vishnupad Temple Corridor Proposed on Kashi Model
The Tourism Department is also accelerating several long-term tourism development projects in Gaya.
One of the major proposals is the development of a world-class corridor around Vishnupad Temple, on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
The proposed project is expected to focus on the development of the temple complex, movement of pilgrims, darshan arrangements, visitor facilities and overall beautification of the surrounding area.
1,000-Bed Gayaji Dharamshala in the Works
A modern 1,000-bed Gayaji Dharamshala is also being developed to provide accommodation to pilgrims visiting Gaya throughout the year.
The project, estimated to cost around Rs 120 crore, is being implemented through the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited.
The facility is expected to provide safer and more convenient accommodation during Pitru Paksha as well as other periods of the year, strengthening Gaya’s religious tourism infrastructure.
Homestay Scheme to Support Local Tourism
Gaya has also been included in the Chief Minister Homestay Promotion Scheme, covering important destinations such as Vishnupad Temple, Mahabodhi Temple, Dungeshwari Temple and Gurpa Hill.
Eligible beneficiaries can receive financial assistance of up to Rs 11 lakh under the scheme.
The initiative aims to connect local families with tourism activities while creating employment and self-employment opportunities.
It is also expected to give visitors an opportunity to experience the local lifestyle, culture and hospitality, while encouraging longer stays in Gaya and Bodh Gaya and strengthening the local economy.
Bihar Tourism Focuses on Gaya’s Religious Tourism Potential
The Tourism Department said the ongoing projects are aimed at making Gaya’s religious tourism infrastructure more modern, organised and visitor-friendly.
With Pitru Paksha Mela 2026 approaching, the immediate focus is on accommodation, transportation, information services and pilgrim assistance, while larger infrastructure projects are expected to strengthen Gaya’s tourism ecosystem in the long term.
