CM Samrat Choudhary inaugurates Pitripaksh Mela Mahasangam 2026 in Gaya
Synopsis
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the Pitripaksh Mela Mahasangam 2026 in Gaya on 25 September, launching the state's flagship annual pilgrimage fair where lakhs of Hindus perform shraddha and pinda daan rites on the banks of the Phalgu river.
Key Takeaways
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the Pitripaksh Mela Mahasangam 2026 in Gaya on 25 September 2026 .
Gaya is one of Hinduism's foremost pilgrimage sites, home to the Vishnupad Temple on the Phalgu river , where ancestor-worship rites hold special religious significance.
The mela is held annually during the Pitru Paksha fortnight , drawing lakhs of pilgrims from across India and abroad for shraddha and pinda daan rituals.
Successive Bihar governments have backed the event as both a religious tradition and a pillar of the state's religious-tourism economy .
Pilgrim footfall figures for the 2026 Pitru Paksha period will be a key indicator of the fair's scale and state preparedness.
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims descend on the sacred ghats of Gaya, Bihar every year for Pitru Paksha — and on Friday, 25 September 2026, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary formally opened the Pitripaksh Mela Mahasangam 2026, the state's flagship annual congregation for ancestor-worship rites on the banks of the Phalgu river.
Gaya's ancient call, a modern state's response
Gaya is one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimage towns, home to the Vishnupad Temple and a millennia-old tradition of shraddha (ancestor-remembrance) and pinda daan (ritual offerings for the departed). During the Pitru Paksha fortnight — the lunar fortnight when Hindus across India perform rites to honour deceased ancestors — the city transforms into one of the country's largest spiritual gatherings. Pilgrims travel from every corner of India, and from abroad, to perform these rites at Gaya's ghats, believing the location confers special merit.
The Bihar government has organised the mela annually for years, treating it as both a sacred obligation and a driver of religious tourism. The event brings together the state administration, local priests, traders, and lakhs of devotees in a coordinated effort that spans weeks.
What the inauguration signals for Gaya's pilgrimage economy
Successive Bihar administrations — across political dispensations — have invested in upgrading Gaya's temples, ghats, and pilgrim infrastructure, viewing Gaya alongside Bodh Gaya as anchor sites for Bihar's religious-tourism footprint. Chief Minister Choudhary's presence at the inauguration underscores the BJP-led government's continued emphasis on this strand of policy.
The annual fair generates significant economic activity for Gaya's local economy — priests, flower sellers, lodges, and transport operators all see a sharp uptick in revenue across the fortnight. Pilgrim footfall for the 2026 Pitru Paksha period will be closely watched as a barometer of both religious sentiment and the state's logistical capacity.
With the 2026 edition now officially open, the state's attention turns to managing the congregation safely and ensuring smooth access to the ghats — the real test of every year's preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pitripaksh Mela in Gaya?
The Pitripaksh Mela is an annual religious fair held in Gaya, Bihar, during the Pitru Paksha fortnight when Hindus perform shraddha and pinda daan rituals to honour their ancestors. Gaya is considered one of the most sacred locations for these rites in Hindu tradition.
Who inaugurated the Pitripaksh Mela Mahasangam 2026?
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the Pitripaksh Mela Mahasangam 2026 in Gaya on 25 September 2026.
Where is the Pitripaksh Mela held?
The mela is held in Gaya, Bihar, on the banks of the Phalgu river, near the Vishnupad Temple — one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimage sites.
What is pinda daan and why is Gaya special for it?
Pinda daan is a Hindu ritual of offering rice balls and water to deceased ancestors to ensure their peace in the afterlife. Gaya is considered especially auspicious for this rite, with Hindu scriptures holding that performing it here liberates ancestors from the cycle of rebirth.
How does the Pitripaksh Mela benefit Gaya's economy?
The annual mela brings lakhs of pilgrims to Gaya, generating significant revenue for local priests, hoteliers, traders, and transport operators across the Pitru Paksha fortnight, making it a critical event for the local economy.
