Gaya: The Bihar government is ramping up preparations for the annual Pitru Paksha Mela in Gaya, which will take place from September 6 to 21 this year. Authorities are promising a range of modern amenities and enhanced infrastructure to ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims coming to perform Pinddaan rituals for the salvation of their ancestors.
A high-level meeting chaired by Deepak Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Land Reforms Department, was held on Friday to review the planning. Senior officials from multiple departments and district administrations were in attendance, reflecting the scale and significance of the event.
Gaya District Magistrate confirmed that this year’s arrangements will be double those of previous years. Key facilities such as hand pumps, water tankers, taps, drinking water kiosks and water ATMs will be installed at strategic locations including passenger lodgings, police camps and parking zones. Cleanliness is being prioritised, with the deployment of 200 dustbins and a dedicated control room.
A dedicated mobile app—Pinddaan Gaya—has also been launched to provide pilgrims with real-time updates, directions and information related to the fair.
Health and security have been given special attention. Authorities plan to deploy 125 doctors and 178 paramedics across 70 health camps, while reserving 70 hospital beds for emergency use. Women police personnel will be on duty to ensure safety, alongside strengthened law and order measures.
The mela grounds will also feature:
- 38 free government accommodations with a capacity of 2,930 people
- 339 private lodgings and dharamshalas with space for over 35,000 members of the Panda community
- 106 hotels or rest houses accommodating up to 6,735 visitors
- 88 toilets, 18 bathrooms and 52 changing rooms
- 50 wheelchairs for elderly attendees
Additionally, a Pind immersion pit will be constructed at Devghat to preserve the sanctity of water from the Gaya Ji Dam, underlining the administration’s focus on environmental sustainability.
