Patna: Bihar has taken a fresh step to expand its religious tourism footprint, with plans to introduce a grand Ganga Maha Aarti at Sidhi Ghat in Bakhtiyarpur, modelled on the well-known rituals held in Patna and Varanasi.
The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has announced that the Ganga Maha Aarti will be organised every Wednesday and broadcast live, allowing devotees from across the state and beyond to participate virtually. Officials said the initiative was aimed at offering a structured spiritual experience while positioning Bakhtiyarpur as a prominent religious destination.
Preparations are under way to transform Sidhi Ghat into a ceremonial space, with decorative lighting, flowers and traditional embellishments planned to enhance the ambience. High-quality sound systems will be installed so that Vedic chants and the aarti can be clearly heard across the ghat, while silent generators will ensure uninterrupted power supply during the event.
A senior tourism official said live telecast arrangements were being made through digital platforms to reach devotees who are unable to attend in person. “The idea is not only to attract pilgrims to the site but also to give Bakhtiyarpur a wider identity on the religious tourism map,” the official said.
For the conduct of the ritual, an experienced chief priest will be appointed along with four assistant priests, supported by a team of five helpers. An external agency will be selected through a tender process to manage logistics, including the supply of puja materials, distribution of prasad and seating arrangements for devotees. The contract will be awarded for an initial period of one year.
Tourism officials believe the weekly aarti will bring increased footfall to the town, benefiting local markets and small businesses. The anticipated rise in visitors is expected to create employment opportunities for those involved in supplying flowers, puja items, prasad, transport and related services.
