LEAD NEWS: ‘ATITHI DEVO BHAVA’ TOP PRIORITY: BIHAR CM DIRECTS TIGHT SECURITY, SANITATION FOR PITRU PAKSHA PILGRIMS

LEAD NEWS: ‘ATITHI DEVO BHAVA’ TOP PRIORITY: BIHAR CM DIRECTS TIGHT SECURITY, SANITATION FOR PITRU PAKSHA PILGRIMS

BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY

PATNA | 26 SEPTEMBER 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary visited Gayaji on Saturday to review the preparations for the ongoing Pitru Paksha Mela. During his visit, the Chief Minister offered prayers at the historic Vishnupad Temple for the peace, happiness, and prosperity of the state. He also inspected Dev Ghat to personally assess the infrastructure and facilities set up for the incoming pilgrims.

Emphasising the state’s deeply rooted tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” Choudhary stated that ensuring a seamless and respectful experience for devotees from India and abroad remains a top priority for the state government. He issued strict directives to local administrative officials to maintain high standards of sanitation, round-the-clock security, safe drinking water, and proper accommodation across all ghats.

As part of the government’s efforts to accommodate the heavy influx of visitors, the Chief Minister inaugurated a newly constructed tent city designed specifically for the mela. Addressing the gathering post-inauguration, Choudhary highlighted the cultural significance of the Pitru Paksha fair in Sanatan culture as a unique festival of reverence and gratitude toward ancestors. He noted that comprehensive arrangements have been deployed at both Punpun and Gaya by the Tourism Department and allied agencies to assist devotees performing Pind Daan and Tarpan rituals.

In a major push to transform Bihar’s spiritual and economic landscape, the government has announced a massive infrastructure blitz, highlighted by a Rs.3,500 crore Vishnupad Corridor project and key industrial expansions in the Gaya region.

Massive Infrastructure Push for Pilgrims:

To accommodate the rapidly growing influx of devotees in Gayaji, facilities are undergoing continuous expansion. Rs.2,500 crore out of the total ₹3,500 crore joint central-state investment will be dedicated exclusively to the development of the Vishnupad Corridor, marking it as one of the largest temple development projects ever undertaken in Bihar.

To enhance the visitor experience, authorities are leveraging technology and mobile applications to assist pilgrims arriving from different states, offering crucial real-time information in multiple regional languages.

Industrial Boom and Job Creation:

Industrial growth is also picking up speed across the state. An Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) is being launched in Bodh Gaya to drive industrial development. Furthermore, industrial investments worth approximately Rs.20,000 crore are set to materialize by October this year, a move expected to generate massive employment and fresh economic opportunities for locals.

Rs.1,000-Crore Water Diversion Scheme

Addressing long-standing water requirements, a Rs.1,000 crore project is underway to divert water from the Son River to the Falgu River. Backed by formal water-sharing agreements, this initiative aims to significantly improve irrigation and year-round water availability in Gaya and its neighboring districts.

Global Air Connectivity and Education Reforms:

Highlighting Gaya Airport as a critical transit hub, officials emphasized that Bihar’s air connectivity is being aggressively strengthened across Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Purnia. Plans are also underway to establish direct flights connecting Gaya to major international destinations, including Bangkok, Indonesia, and the Gulf countries, to boost global tourism and attract overseas pilgrims.

Simultaneously, the state is modernising its education system. Upgraded school infrastructure, the rollout of model schools, online classrooms, and the launch of the “Vidyarthi Saathi App” are driving the shift toward high-quality, modern learning for students.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhury has called upon the public to warmly welcome all devotees and guests arriving in Gayaji for the Pitru Paksha fair. He urged citizens to showcase Bihar’s legendary hospitality, rich traditions, and culture, ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors from across India and around the world.

During the event, the Chief Minister unveiled several cultural and commemorative items, including a special postal envelope issued by the Postal Department to mark the occasion. He also released “Pachan Tirtha Gayaji,” a book authored by the local Panda community, and officially launched the Gayaji Dham Angvastra, crafted by the skilled weavers of Manpur Patwa Toli.