Patna: Bihar is bringing a major digital layer to the annual Pitru Paksha Mela in Gaya Ji, with the state preparing an app and website to help pilgrims plan Pind Daan, accommodation, transport, parking, health services and emergency assistance from their phones.
The Pitru Paksha Mela will be held in Gaya Ji and Punpun from September 25 to October 10. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is scheduled to inaugurate the mela in Gaya Ji on September 24.
The new ‘Pinddaan Gaya Ji’ mobile application and website are designed to bring key pilgrimage and visitor services together on one platform. The official portal already provides information on Pind Daan rituals, sacred vedis, accommodation, railway schedules, routes, police camps, health camps, medical facilities and pilgrim assistance.
One Digital Platform for Pind Daan and Pilgrim Planning
Pilgrims will be able to access information about different Pind Daan vedis, rituals and Panda Ji services through the digital platform.
Online registration will allow visitors to plan their pilgrimage before reaching Gaya. Information on tent cities, government accommodation, hotels, guest houses and dharamshalas will also be made available, including details on availability, capacity and contact information.
The idea is to help families make arrangements for their stay and religious activities in advance rather than depending entirely on on-ground information after reaching the city.
The official app also includes pilgrim registration, route information, accommodation details, emergency contacts, a Panda Ji directory, feedback and complaint facilities and a lost-and-found service.
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Train, Transport and Parking Details Available Online
The platform will also bring transport-related information together for visitors.
Pilgrims can access railway timetable information, air connectivity and local transport details. Information on major routes, parking locations, prepaid auto and taxi services, e-rickshaws and buses, including applicable fares, will help visitors plan their movement around Gaya.
The portal also provides information related to toilets, drinking water points, health camps and police camps.
Emergency contacts for police, hospitals, ambulances, health facilities and helplines are also being made available digitally. This gives visitors a single source for important information during the mela.
Digital Lost-and-Found Facility for Pilgrims
A digital lost-and-found facility has been included as part of the arrangements.
During a large pilgrimage gathering, families can face difficulties if members become separated. The digital system will allow information about missing pilgrims to be reported and help users check information about identified persons.
The official Pinddaan Gaya Ji portal currently provides separate facilities for reporting lost persons and viewing information on identified pilgrims.
2,500-Bed Tent City and Free E-Rickshaws
Accommodation and local mobility have received special attention this year.
A 2,500-bed tent city has been arranged in Gaya Ji, along with information centres and a dedicated helpline. Earlier preparations also included arrangements for additional accommodation facilities for pilgrims. Recent reports have confirmed the 2,500-bed tent city as one of the major facilities planned for the mela.
For elderly and differently abled pilgrims, 150 e-rickshaws will be available free of cost. The service will operate between Chand Chaura Chowk and Vishnupad, as well as between Vishnupad and Bengali Ashram.
Trained tourist guides will also assist pilgrims visiting Gaya during the mela.
CCTV, Drones and Video Cameras for Security
Crowd management and security arrangements have been expanded across the mela area.
The administration has divided the area into five zones and 54 sectors for better coordination and monitoring. CCTV cameras, drones and video cameras will be used for surveillance.
District Gaya has separately issued tenders for temporary CCTV cameras, drone cameras and video cameras for security and law-and-order arrangements during the September 25–October 10 mela period.
Sanitation arrangements will operate in three shifts, while drinking water, lighting, parking, health services and security have also been included in the preparations.
At ‘May I Help You’ counters, an AI-based Google Translator facility is planned to help pilgrims facing language barriers.
Punpun Gets 5,000-Capacity Pandal
Arrangements have also been made at Punpun, another important location for Pind Daan during the mela.
A pandal with a capacity of 5,000 people has been arranged at Punpun Ghat. Facilities there will include drinking water, toilets, lighting, sanitation, health services and security.
Information centres, helplines and guides will assist pilgrims, while special arrangements have also been made for traffic and parking.
Pind Daan packages will be available for visitors, covering services such as transportation, पूजा सामग्री, Pind Daan rituals, food and accommodation.
Pilgrimage Linked With Bihar Tourism
The mela will also provide an opportunity for visitors to explore other religious and tourism destinations in Bihar.
The Tourism Department is offering special packages covering important religious and tourist locations. Pind Daan packages and e-Pind Daan facilities are also part of the visitor services.
A Maha Aarti on the banks of the Phalgu River has also been proposed during the mela.
With millions of visitors expected to travel to Gaya during the pilgrimage period, the combination of digital information, accommodation, transport support, health facilities and security arrangements is aimed at making the pilgrimage easier to plan and manage.
The official Pinddaan Gaya Ji platform will therefore serve as an important information point for pilgrims, allowing them to check routes, rituals, accommodation, facilities and emergency contacts before and during their visit.
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