Bihar: Pitripaksh Mela at Gaya concludes with footfall of 15 lakh pilgrims

GAYA: The fortnight-long Pitripaksh Mela concluded on Saturday with thousands of pilgrims from across the country offering 'tarpan' and 'pinddaan' at Gaya Ji dam.

"Nearly 15 lakh pilgrims visited Gaya this Pitripaksh. Last year, the number of pilgrims visiting Gaya during Pitripaksh was 13 lakh. At least 45 foreigners from countries like US, Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany also performed the rituals for peace to the departed souls of their ancestors," Gaya DM Thiyagarajan SM said.

He added the feedback from pilgrims regarding management has been very positive. "First time, Ganga water was made available to the pilgrims for drinking purpose from the water kiosk near Vishnupad temple," he said.

Regarding other arrangements, the DM said, "More than three lakh pilgrims availed the free e-rickshaw ride from Chand Chauraha Mor and Bengali Ashram to Vishnupad. Healthcare was provided to more than 75,000 pilgrims at 65 camps. More than 12,000 pilgrims got free accommodation at the tent city. The state disaster response force and the divers conducted more than 115 rescue operations in various ponds."