Patna : Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday reviewed preparations for the 360th Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj at Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib and directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements for devotees expected to arrive from across India and abroad.
The celebrations will take place from January 9 to 16, 2027. The state government is planning accommodation for around 20,000 devotees across an area of approximately 20–30 acres, alongside special bus services, improved railway station facilities and arrangements for healthcare, drinking water, sanitation and security.
During the review meeting at the Patna Sahib gurdwara, the Chief Minister asked all concerned departments to coordinate closely, monitor preparations regularly and complete their assigned work within the stipulated timeline.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Bihar Hai Taiyar, Ji Aaya Nu’.
Accommodation Planned For Around 20,000 Devotees
The proposed arrangements include temporary accommodation facilities spread across approximately 20–30 acres to provide lodging for an estimated 20,000 devotees.
Officials briefed the Chief Minister on the proposed arrangements and the progress of preparations. Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit presented the proposed action plan, while Patna District Magistrate Kundan Kumar outlined the arrangements through a presentation.
The government also plans to provide adequate drinking water, lighting, sanitation facilities, mobile toilets and other essential amenities. Checkpoints and crowd-management measures will be established to regulate movement and maintain safety during the celebrations.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that accommodation and public facilities are organised in a manner that allows devotees to participate in the religious events without unnecessary inconvenience.
Railway Stations To Be Improved For Devotees
With a large number of devotees expected to arrive by train, the Chief Minister directed railway officials to improve facilities at Patna Sahib, Gulzarbagh, Patna Junction and Rajendra Nagar railway stations.
He asked the Divisional Railway Manager of the Danapur division and the General Manager of East Central Railway, Hajipur, to ensure that Patna Sahib railway station is properly organised to handle the expected passenger movement.
The directions also covered facilities at the other three stations to make arrivals and departures more convenient for devotees.
The Chief Minister stressed that roads leading to Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib should be properly organised to ensure smooth access to the gurdwara. Adequate bus services will also be arranged to facilitate local travel and help reduce traffic pressure.
Water Metro Between Digha Ghat And Kangan Ghat Under Consideration
To provide an additional transport option and ease congestion on roads, the Chief Minister directed officials to explore the feasibility of launching a water metro service between Digha Ghat and Kangan Ghat.
Officials have been asked to examine the resources and arrangements required to operate the service. The possibility of hiring a water metro vessel from Kolkata will also be considered.
The proposal is intended to offer devotees an alternative mode of transport during the festival period. Its implementation will depend on the feasibility assessment and the arrangements required for operations.
Special bus services are also planned to meet the increased demand for transport during the eight-day celebrations.
Special Medical Arrangements, Including Heart Specialists
Given that the celebrations will take place during January, when temperatures in Patna can be low, the Chief Minister directed officials to make special healthcare arrangements for devotees.
He specifically called for the availability of cardiologists and other necessary medical specialists to address potential health emergencies during the festival.
The government has also been directed to ensure adequate medical support alongside basic facilities such as drinking water, sanitation, lighting and accommodation.
The Chief Minister said devotees’ convenience, safety and dignity should remain the highest priorities in planning and implementing the arrangements.
Milk Supply, Mobile Toilets And Crowd Management
The preparations will also include adequate supplies of milk and curd through the Bihar State Milk Co-operative Federation, commonly known as COMFED.
Mobile toilets, street lighting, checkpoints and crowd-management arrangements will be put in place to support the expected influx of visitors.
Officials from the departments concerned briefed the meeting on their respective responsibilities. The Chief Minister instructed them to maintain effective coordination and regularly monitor the progress of work to prevent delays.
The administration will need to coordinate transport, accommodation, health services and public amenities to manage the expected crowds throughout the celebrations.
Chief Minister Offers Prayers At Patna Sahib Gurdwara
Following the review meeting, Choudhary paid obeisance at Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib and prayed for the state’s peace, prosperity and well-being.
The gurdwara management committee welcomed the Chief Minister and presented him with a siropa, a ceremonial sword and a memento.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, MLA Ratnesh Kushwaha, Patna Mayor Sita Sahu, Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit, Director General of Police Preeta Verma and senior officials from various departments attended the meeting. Patna Divisional Commissioner Rajesh Kumar, Patna Range Inspector General Jitendra Rana, District Magistrate Kundan Kumar and Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikey K. Sharma were also present, along with representatives of the gurdwara management committee.
With the celebrations scheduled for January 2027, the state government has directed departments to complete preparations on time and ensure that devotees arriving from India and abroad can participate in the Prakash Parv safely and comfortably.
