GAYA JI, Sept. 26 -- Bihar chief minister Samrat Chaudhary inaugurated the Pitru Paksha Mela Mahasangam-2026 at Gaya Ji's Gandhi Maidan on Friday. Emphasising the cultural significance of the event, the chief minister remarked that the tradition of honouring and worshipping one's ancestors is unique to Indian heritage. Chaudhary said Gaya Ji is the most prominent place in this tradition of paying homage to ancestors. According to the Sanatan tradition, offering Pind Daan at the feet of Lord Vishnu and at sites associated with him, and offering water from the Phalgu River, grants peace and salvation to the ancestors, he said. The chief minister said that in view of Gaya's importance, the state government, with the support of the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has allocated a budget of Rs.3,500 crore, the highest in Bihar, for the all-round development of Gaya. Of this, Rs.2,500 crore will be allocated under the Vishnupad Corridor, connecting the temple complex, Phalgu Ghats, and Pind Daan altars with high-level roads, ensuring standard facilities for pilgrims at these sites. The remaining Rs.1,000 crore will be used to build a dam on the Sone River and divert its water to the Phalgu River through various canals and channels, ensuring year-round water availability. The Chief Minister, while highlighting the unprecedented availability of accommodation, transportation, and medical facilities for pilgrims during this year's Pitru Paksha Mela, specifically mentioned the multilingual help desk, website, and digital app launched for the first time for the convenience of foreigners and non-native speakers. Referring to the rich hospitality tradition of Bihar and Gaya, he urged the administration, priests, and all the people of the region to provide such service and assistance to pilgrims that it leaves an indelible mark on their hearts. Responding to Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's request to restart suspended flight services from Gaya Airport, the Chief Minister stated that airlines complain that 15 to 20 percent of their seats remain vacant upon arrival in Gaya. The government is working diligently to address this issue and ensure uninterrupted flight services by establishing a robust system by connecting major airports like Gaya, Patna, and Bhagalpur....