Pitru Paksha Mela 2026 in Gaya

In preparation for the 2026 Pitru Paksha Mela in Gaya, Bihar, officials held review meetings to coordinate logistics for domestic and international pilgrims. Planning included dividing the fair area into five zones and 54 sectors, managing sanitation with a large workforce, cleaning the Phalgu River, and implementing safety measures such as QR-based wristbands for children.

Following these preparations, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the annual fair, which runs until October 10. The event involves devotees performing ancestral rituals like Pind Daan and Tarpan at the Vishnupad Temple and along the Falgu river. During the inauguration, state ministers inspected medical facilities and health stalls to ensure adequate healthcare services for the attendees.

To enhance security and management during the gathering, the Chief Minister has implemented several tech-driven measures. These include AI-assisted crowd management and camera-based surveillance designed to identify missing persons. To assist with language barriers for international and domestic pilgrims, help desks have been equipped with Google Translator-based systems. The use of QR code-enabled wristbands remains a key component in helping reunite separated family members.