Pitripaksh Mela begins with improved facilities

Gaya/Patna: The fortnight-long Pitripaksh Mela began in Gaya on Saturday with state ministers lighting the ceremonial lamp to formally open the annual event, held for the peace and salvation of departed souls.Ministers Prem Kumar (cooperative), Sanjay Saraogi (revenue), Raju Kumar Singh (tourism), Sunil Kumar (forest, environment and climate change, also minister in-charge of Gaya) and other guests inaugurated the mela, while Prem Kumar later opened a tent city at Gandhi Maidan to provide free accommodation for 2,500 pilgrims.District magistrate Shashank Shubhankar said extensive arrangements had been made for safety, accommodation, transportation and cleanliness. “Guides and translators have been arranged for foreign devotees, expected to arrive along with large numbers of pilgrims from across the country,” he added.The Gaya Municipal Corporation has also introduced drone monitoring for cleanliness and deployed trash boats to clean the Falgu river. Municipal commissioner Kumar Anurag said, “The city has been decorated with more than 7,000 tricolour rope lights and 3,000 new street lights. Ancient ponds like Ramkund, Suryakund, and Sitakund have been adorned with pind daan-themed paintings, while selfie points have been created at Vishnupad premises.” Hot air balloons at five locations will also serve as landmarks for pilgrims.The tourism department has launched an assistance centre at Gaya railway station and a new information centre at Punpun in Patna, where a laser show will explain the rituals’ significance. A special Pitripaksh package has already attracted online bookings nationwide.