Gaya: With the Pitripaksh Mela scheduled from Sept 26 to Oct 10 this year, the Gaya administration has stepped up efforts to enhance the spiritual experience for the lakhs of devotees expected to visit the holy city for ‘pinddaan’ rituals.Renamed ‘Gaya Ji’ by the state govt last year, the Gaya Ji Municipal Corporation (GMC) is working on a project to transform the city with mythological installations, improved intersections and decorative lighting to create a devotional ambience from the railway station to the Vishnupad temple.As part of the beautification plan, the civic body has installed replicas of Lord Vishnu’s sacred footprints, images of Lord Buddha and illustrations narrating the legend of Gayasur at key locations such as Peer Mansoor Mor and Kashinath Mor, which have newly built roundabouts. It is also installing modern fountains and colourful lighting systems at these intersections.Mayor Virendra Kumar said, “Construction of eight major and five smaller roundabouts is underway using the civic body’s internal resources. The project stretches from the collectorate to gate number 5 of the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), with more than half the work already complete.”“The plan was approved at the GMC board meeting last year. Separate budgets have been allocated for different roundabouts, and work on the remaining ones has been expedited. The artworks will introduce pilgrims to the history, culture and religious significance of Gaya,” he added.GMC’s empowered standing committee member and former deputy mayor Akhouri Onkarnath said, “Along with strengthening infrastructure, the project aims to preserve and showcase the city’s cultural identity and develop Gaya into a clean, beautiful and well-organised city.”
