Patna: The Pitru Paksha Mela 2026 in Gaya Ji and Punpun will begin on Friday and continue until October 10, with the Bihar Tourism Department putting in place facilities for pilgrims and tourists arriving from across India and abroad.
The department said preparations focus on accommodation, safety, tourist assistance, information services and cleanliness at key locations, including Gandhi Maidan and Gaya Junction.
2,500-Capacity Tent City In Gaya Ji
The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation has established a tent city at Gandhi Maidan in Gaya Ji with a capacity of 2,500 people. The facility includes drinking water and toilets.
According to the Tourism Department, the site also has a police control room, CCTV surveillance, watchtowers, medical camps, drone monitoring and a stage to support crowd management and pilgrim assistance.
Funds have also been allocated to the Gaya district administration for activities including e-rickshaw services, ceremonial gates, air balloons, documentary screenings, tents in restricted areas and the organisation of the Falgu Maha-Aarti.
Tourist Assistance And Pind-Daan Services
Brochures containing information about the mela will be distributed free of charge among pilgrims and those performing Pind-daan rituals.
The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation has deployed guides at the Tourist Information Centre at Gaya Railway Station, a temporary Tourist Assistance Centre within the railway station complex and the tent city.
The corporation has also arranged travel packages and e-Pind-daan facilities for pilgrims and Pind-dani performers.
Social Media Promotion
For the first time, the Tourism Department is organising a competition titled “Pitru Paksha Mela 2026: Through the Eyes of an Influencer”.
The initiative will involve social media influencers creating videos and reels to promote the mela and its facilities on digital platforms.
Arrangements In Punpun
The Tourism Department has allocated funds to the Patna district administration for temporary tourist camps and other facilities in Punpun block.
Trained tourist guides will assist pilgrims visiting the area, while a brochure on the Pitru Paksha Mela will be distributed free of charge.
A two-day laser show related to the mela is also scheduled to be held at Punpun.
Focus On Pilgrim Facilities
The Tourism Department said the arrangements are intended to provide a safe and organised environment for pilgrims visiting Gaya Ji and Punpun during the Pitru Paksha period, while supporting access to information, accommodation, transport and other essential facilities.
