Gaya/Patna: More than 51.30 lakh devotees from India and abroad visited Gaya Ji during this year’s annual Pitrapaksha Mela to perform pind daan and tarpan for the peace and salvation of their ancestors’ souls, setting a new record for the religious gathering.
The turnout was nearly 16 lakh higher than last year, reflecting the growing popularity of Gaya Ji as a religious tourism destination. Authorities attributed the successful management of the large gathering to arrangements for healthcare, accommodation, security, sanitation and the use of technology.
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav also performed pind daan and tarpan on Saturday on the banks of the Niranjana River to pay homage to his ancestors.
Foreign Devotees Visit Gaya Ji
The mela attracted pilgrims from several countries, including Russia, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil and Ukraine.
International visitors appreciated the arrangements at religious sites, traffic management, cleanliness and facilities provided by the administration. The combination of traditional rituals and modern management has strengthened Gaya Ji’s profile as a destination for international religious tourism.
Pilgrim Footfall Rises Sharply
Tourist arrivals in Gaya Ji have increased significantly over the past four years, according to the figures provided for the region.
In 2022, Gaya Ji received 9.40 lakh tourists. The number rose to 29.89 lakh in 2023, 30.59 lakh in 2024 and 34.79 lakh in 2025.
The more than 51.30 lakh devotees recorded during this year’s Pitrapaksha Mela alone surpassed the reported tourist numbers for each of the previous four years, underlining the scale of the annual religious gathering.
Healthcare And Assistance Facilities Expanded
With a large number of devotees arriving in Gaya Ji, special arrangements were made for medical care and assistance.
Healthcare services benefited approximately 1.50 lakh people during the mela. A dedicated Lost and Found Centre assisted devotees separated from family members or facing difficulties in the crowds, helping more than 1,300 people.
A control room was also established to address complaints and other issues related to the fair. It received approximately 2,625 complaints, which were addressed through necessary action.
Tent City Houses Over 18,000 People
The tent city developed to accommodate pilgrims arriving from distant places provided shelter to more than 18,000 people.
Authorities also distributed more than 15,000 wristbands to children and elderly devotees to reduce the risk of separation from family members in crowded areas. The wristbands were intended to help officials identify those who became separated and reunite them with their families.
AI Translation Facility Assists One Lakh Pilgrims
An artificial intelligence-based language translation facility was introduced this year to help international visitors and pilgrims speaking different languages.
The service benefited approximately one lakh devotees, helping them obtain essential information and communicate despite language barriers. The initiative also marked an increased use of technology to support religious tourism in Gaya Ji.
1,101 Saplings Planted In Memory Of Ancestors
Environmental conservation was incorporated into the mela through the initiative ‘One Tree in the Name of Our Ancestors’.
Under the programme, 1,101 saplings were planted at Pitru Vatika. The initiative sought to connect the religious traditions of pind daan and tarpan with environmental responsibility by encouraging devotees to plant trees in memory of their ancestors.
The campaign conveyed a message of conservation alongside the spiritual observances associated with Pitrapaksha.
