Gayaji: Traffic arrangements in Bodh Gaya will be modified from September 25 to October 10 for the Pitru Paksha Mela 2026, with restrictions planned around the Mahabodhi Temple, Kalachakra Maidan and adjoining areas.
The administration has prepared the special plan in anticipation of a large number of pilgrims arriving from across India and abroad. Vehicle restrictions, route diversions and barricading will be introduced at several points.
Restrictions Near Mahabodhi Temple
Large vehicles approaching the Mahabodhi Temple and Kalachakra Maidan from Node-01 will not be allowed to enter. Vehicles travelling from SBI Mor towards the Mahabodhi Temple will also require a valid pass.
Similarly, vehicles approaching the temple from Verma Mor will not be permitted without a pass. Entry into the temple zone from Embassy Mor and Verma Mor will remain restricted during the fair.
Small vehicles and two-wheelers from Embassy Mor will be diverted left towards Rajapur through Sujata Bypass Road. Vehicles coming from Verma Mor will also be routed towards Rajapur.
Diversions For Large Vehicles
Large vehicles will face a no-entry restriction from Rajapur Mor towards South Bodh Gaya. However, large vehicles crossing the river from Pachhatti Mor towards Sujatagarh will be allowed to proceed.
Vehicles arriving from the Dhughri Tond riverfront will be directed from Rajapur Mor towards Sujata Bypass and then towards Node-01 or Domuhan.
Vehicles travelling from Domuhan and Node-01 will use River Side Road via Rajapur Mor to reach their destinations.
Roadside parking between Embassy Mor and Verma Mor will not be permitted. The administration has directed motorists to use only designated parking facilities.
Barricading At Key Locations
Barricading will be installed at several locations, including Verma Mor, opposite Children’s Park, Embassy Mor, Birla Dharamshala, Pachhatti Mor, the Museum and Mosa Mor.
Additional barricading will be placed near the Mahabodhi Society, while a drop gate will be installed near the water tank. Traffic controls will also be enforced near the Bangladesh Monastery and Gates 05, 08 and 09 of the Kalachakra Maidan.
Designated Parking Areas
The administration has identified parking facilities at South Parking Site near Node-01, Magadh University campus, near Children’s Park, Node-02 and opposite Gate 02 of Kalachakra Maidan.
Vacant land opposite the graveyard will be reserved for government and VIP vehicles. Separate parking arrangements for large and small vehicles will also be available on Selonja Road near Dharmaranya Vedi.
Goods carriers and large vehicles entering Bodh Gaya through Domuhan, Dhughri Tie-Bridge Bypass, Selonja Bridge and Saraswati Bridge will face restrictions during the fair period.
Alternative Routes
Heavy vehicles will be required to use alternative routes during the restrictions. Alternative routes may also be introduced for access to Kalachakra Maidan during VIP movements or special traffic-control operations.
These routes include Embassy Mor–Miya Bigha–Kalachakra Gate 08 and Node-01–Tergar Monastery Mor–Kalachakra Gate 09.
The administration has appealed to pilgrims and motorists to follow the traffic regulations. Action will be taken against those entering restricted areas without valid passes, crossing barricades or parking on roads.
The arrangements are intended to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and keep routes clear for emergency vehicles during the fair.
