The Pitru Paksha Mela in Gaya will begin on September 25, with large numbers of pilgrims expected to visit the district for religious rituals and pind daan.
To address accommodation requirements during the mela, the district administration has identified 44 accommodation centres across Gaya and Bodh Gaya. Preparations are being made to accommodate around 70,000 pilgrims at these locations.
A 2,500-bed tent city is also being set up at Gandhi Maidan, where pilgrims will be able to stay free of charge.
Schools And Institutions Turned Into Accommodation Centres
Several schools, colleges and other institutions have been identified as temporary accommodation facilities.
Among the listed locations are Monastery, which has a capacity of around 2,400 people, and the Magadh University Examination Building, where arrangements have been made for around 1,200 pilgrims.
Other accommodation centres include the Project Kanya Plus Two High School in Bodh Gaya, Madhya Vidyalaya Dhanawa, Madhya Vidyalaya Suryapura, BIT Gaya Buddha Resort, Kanya High School Gaya and Anugrah Kanya Higher Secondary School.
More Accommodation Sites Across Gaya
The arrangements also cover several schools and educational institutions in Gaya city and Manpur.
These include Guru Nanak Middle School, Adarsh Nav Balika Middle School, Gauri Kanya Middle and High School, Akash Polytechnic Madanpur, Government Girls High School Ramna, Manaviki Bhawan at Gaya College, Marwari Plus Two High School, Ram Ruchi Girls Inter School, Mahavir Inter School and ITI Gaya.
Other identified sites include Brij Bhushan Sanskrit College in Delha, T Model Inter School, New Middle School Chand Chaura, Government Middle School Akshay Vat, Chandrashekhar High School Akshay Vat, Gaya Ji Dharamshala, Government Middle School Godawari, Barnwal Project Kanya Plus Two School in Manpur and Plus Two Haridas Seminary School.
Basic Facilities Arranged For Pilgrims
The administration has made arrangements for essential facilities at the accommodation centres.
These include drinking water, changing rooms, toilets, bathrooms, adequate lighting and fans. Signage displaying important telephone numbers will also be provided to help pilgrims access assistance when required.
The arrangements are intended to support pilgrims staying at the temporary accommodation facilities during the mela.
CCTV And Security Deployment
Security arrangements have also been planned at all identified accommodation centres.
According to the source, CCTV cameras will be installed at the accommodation sites, while police personnel and magistrates will be deployed for security and maintenance of law and order during the mela.
The arrangements are aimed at managing the large number of pilgrims expected to arrive in Gaya from September 25.
Preparations Ahead Of September 25
With the Pitru Paksha Mela approaching, the accommodation arrangements are focused on providing temporary stays to pilgrims who may otherwise face difficulties in finding accommodation during the peak pilgrimage period.
With 44 accommodation sites, a 2,500-bed tent city and facilities including water, sanitation, lighting and security, the district administration has prepared temporary arrangements for pilgrims visiting Gaya for the mela.
