Bihar Government Renames Gaya to Gaya Ji | 19 May 2025

Why in News?

The Bihar government officially renamed the historic city of Gaya as ‘Gaya Ji’, honoring its profound religious and historical significance.

The renaming aims to boost religious tourism in Gaya, thereby attracting more pilgrims and visitors, strengthening the local economy, and creating livelihood opportunities.

Historical Context:
- Gaya was part of the ancient Magadh Empire, a historically significant kingdom in Indian history.
- The city is located on the banks of the Falgu River, contributing to its spiritual and geographical significance.
Religious Significance:
- Gaya is a major Hindu pilgrimage site, especially known for the Pitrapaksh festival, where millions perform Pind Daan to honor ancestors.
  - According to mythological belief, in Treta Yuga, a demon named Gayasur performed penance here and got a boon from Lord Vishnu and became a pure soul. Since then, this place has been called Gaya.
- Bodhgaya, situated in Gaya district, is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
  - It is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers globally.
- The city is surrounded by sacred hills such as Mangala-Gauri, Shringa-Sthan, Ram-Shila, and Brahmayoni.

The Falgu River flows on the east side of Gaya and carries water only during the monsoon season.
For the rest of the year, its riverbed appears dry, but water can be found beneath the mud.

Pitrapaksh, also called Pitru Paksha or Shraddha, is a 16-day Hindu festival observed during the lunar month of Ashwin (September–October).
- It begins on the full moon day (Purnima) and ends on the new moon day (Amavasya).