Devotees Flock to Gaya for Pitripaksha Mela Amid Rainy Weather

Gaya, September 26 (Daily Kiran) : In Gaya, Bihar, the Pitripaksha Mela kicked off on September 26, 2026, attracting a significant number of devotees from across the country and abroad. Many gathered at Devghat and various ghats along the Falgu River to perform rituals for the peace and salvation of their ancestors. The crowd began to swell early in the morning around the Vishnupad Temple and the riverbanks.

Despite continuous rain, local authorities, including the district administration and Gaya Municipal Corporation, closely monitored arrangements for the safety, cleanliness, and convenience of the attendees. District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar, Senior Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar, and Municipal Commissioner Dr. Gagan Kumar conducted inspections of the mela area, assessing key sites such as the Vishnupad Temple, Solah Vedi, Devghat, Gajadhar Ghat, Gayatri Ghat, and Gaya Dam.

The District Magistrate instructed regular cleaning of changing rooms and toilets at the ghats and ensured that offerings thrown into the river were removed using nets. To manage the crowd effectively, a zig-zag queue system was implemented for devotees at the Vishnupad Temple.

Given the slippery conditions due to rain, officials were directed to continuously clear water from the temple precincts and maintain the cleanliness of the floors. Staff members were also instructed to assist devotees during entry and exit from the sanctum.

In a related incident, action was taken against a photographer who charged more than the prescribed fee, leading to the immediate cancellation of his identification card. The District Magistrate clarified that any complaints regarding unauthorized fee hikes by photographers would be thoroughly investigated.

To enhance the experience for devotees and prevent traffic congestion, the area surrounding the Vishnupad Temple has been designated as a no-horn, no-vehicle, and no-pollution zone. Vehicles were halted at Chand Chaurah and Bengali Ashram, allowing pilgrims to reach the temple area on foot or via free e-rickshaws.

Shashank Shubhankar personally traveled from Chand Chaurah to the Vishnupad Mela area using an e-rickshaw, promoting adherence to the established guidelines. He urged distinguished guests and officials to also use pedestrian or e-rickshaw access to assist pilgrims.

According to the district transport officer, 150 free e-rickshaws are operational in three shifts between Chand Chaurah, Vishnupad, and Bengali Ashram. Additional e-rickshaws were provided for elderly pilgrims from Pretshila Parking to Pretshila Temple.

Devotees arriving at Gaya Railway Station seeking to visit the ritual sites can also avail themselves of free e-rickshaw services upon request.