Grand Start to Pitru Paksha Fair in Gaya, Over 40,000 Pilgrims Arrive on Day One

Gaya: The annual Pitru Paksha fair began today, 17 September, in the holy city of Gaya, known for its spiritual significance. The 17-day event, inaugurated by Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister alongside other ministers and MLAs, is expected to draw over 1.5 million pilgrims this year. Already, more than 40,000 devotees have arrived, according to local authorities.

To ensure the safety and well-being of visitors, the district administration has deployed 6,000 police personnel, dividing the fair area into 43 zones and 339 sectors. For accommodation, arrangements have been made to host 18,000 pilgrims at any given time, with additional provisions by the tourism department to accommodate 2,500 people daily in a newly constructed tent city.

Health services have been a priority, with 102 health camps established across the fairgrounds, staffed by 121 doctors and 218 paramedics.

A significant feature of this year’s fair is the opportunity for devotees to walk along the newly developed Vishnu Path to the Shri Vishnupad temple for the first time. After performing the traditional ritual of Pinddaan, they can complete the Shraddha ceremony at Sita Kund by traversing the Sita Path, covering a distance of just 1.5 kilometres.

In a notable initiative, the government has also arranged for Ganga water at every water point and altar along the sacred Devghat at the Falgu River, considered crucial for the Pinddaan rituals. The Falgu River itself is experiencing high water levels, adding to the spiritual importance of the event, which commemorates the salvation of ancestors.

Special waterproof pandals have been erected at 54 altar sites, offering protection from the elements and equipped with essential services such as drinking water and lighting. In addition, the district administration has set up a tent city at Gandhi Maidan, ensuring adequate facilities, although the VIP lounge is still under construction. A daily Falgu Mahaarati will be organised by the tourism department each evening at the riverbank.

District Magistrate Dr Tyag Rajan and Senior Superintendent of Police Ashish Bharti highlighted the extensive security arrangements, which include watchtowers and control rooms to monitor the fairgrounds. For the convenience of visitors, pre-fixed fares for auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and private taxis have been introduced. Free e-rickshaws have been arranged for elderly and disabled pilgrims, particularly for travel to key sites such as Devghat.

A dedicated website, www.pinddaangaya.bihar.gov.in, and a mobile app, ‘Pinddaan Gaya,’ have been developed to provide essential information, including details on accommodation, police stations, and other services available during the fair.