Gaya/Patna: Preparations for the world-famous Gaya Ji Pitru Paksha Mela are nearing completion, with the district administration putting in place a range of technology-driven and welfare measures for devotees.
The mega religious event will be held from September 25 to October 10, with lakhs of devotees expected to visit Gaya for Pind Daan and other rituals.
Gaya District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar said the administration is focusing on making the fair organised, clean, safe and convenient for devotees.
QR-Coded Bands to Help Trace Missing Children
One of the key safety initiatives this year is the introduction of QR-coded identification bands for children.
Children arriving at the bus stand, railway station and airport will be provided with the bands. The QR code will contain details of the child’s parents and their contact numbers.
If a child gets separated from family members in the crowd, police personnel, volunteers or other people can scan the QR code using a mobile phone and contact the parents.
The initiative is aimed at making it easier to reunite missing children with their families during the crowded pilgrimage period.
Gaya to Get a New Look Through Children’s Artwork
The administration has also involved local children in decorating Gaya ahead of the festival.
A competition was organised among children to select the official logo of the Pitru Paksha Mela. Nine other selected logos will also be used for publicity and promotional activities.
Under the administration’s ‘Paint the City’ initiative, 27 groups of children have been selected to create paintings on city walls, ghats and prominent locations.
The artwork will depict stories related to the religious, historical and mythological significance of Pitru Paksha and Gaya Ji.
Accommodation for 70,000 Devotees Planned
The district administration is preparing accommodation facilities with a combined capacity of around 70,000 people.
A large 2,500-bed tent city is being developed at Gandhi Maidan to provide temporary accommodation to devotees.
Affordable food will also be available through ‘Jeevika Didi’ kitchens, where devotees will be served a full meal for just Rs 25.
Extensive Sanitation and Drinking Water Arrangements
The entire municipal area has been divided into five zones and 54 sectors to streamline sanitation arrangements during the mela.
The administration is preparing 364 permanent toilets, 579 prefabricated temporary toilets, 134 bathing facilities and 74 changing rooms.
To improve road connectivity, the municipal corporation is repairing 53 roads, while the Road Construction Department is working on 35 major roads.
For drinking water, 280 hand pumps, 54 drinking water points, 890 taps, 22 water tankers and two water ATMs will be available in the mela area.
73 Health Camps to Have 125 Doctors
Health services have also been strengthened ahead of the expected influx of devotees.
A total of 73 health camps will be established across the mela area. These facilities will have 125 doctors, 178 paramedical staff and 52 Class IV employees on duty.
The administration has also arranged free transportation for devotees, with 50 ring buses and 150 e-rickshaws planned for operation.
Volunteers from Scouts and Guides, NSS and NCC will assist elderly and differently abled devotees by providing wheelchair support up to the Pind Vedi.
Postal Department Plans Special Services
The postal department will issue a special Pitru Paksha cover envelope for devotees.
Postal employees equipped with micro-ATMs will also be deployed in the mela area, allowing devotees to withdraw cash when required.
SDRF Teams to Be Deployed at Ghats
Safety arrangements have been strengthened at major water bodies and ghats, where State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams will remain deployed.
A 24-hour helpline and control room will operate throughout the mela to respond to emergencies and assist devotees.
Administration Focuses on Safe and Convenient Pilgrimage
With lakhs of devotees expected to arrive in Gaya, the administration is combining technology, sanitation, healthcare, transportation and security measures to manage the large gathering.
The district administration said the arrangements are aimed at making Pitru Paksha Mela 2026 safer, cleaner and more convenient for devotees visiting Gaya.
