Bihar Government Renames Gaya to Gaya Ji
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Renaming of Gaya to Gaya Ji by the Bihar government. |
| Objective | To honor the city's religious and historical significance and boost tourism. |
| Historical Context | Gaya was part of the ancient Magadh Empire. |
| Religious Significance | - Major Hindu pilgrimage site for Pind Daan during Pitrapaksh festival. |
| - Bodhgaya, in Gaya district, is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. | |
| - Surrounded by sacred hills: Mangala-Gauri, Shringa-Sthan, Ram-Shila, and Brahmayoni. | |
| Mythological Belief | In Treta Yuga, demon Gayasur performed penance here, leading to the name Gaya. |
| Falgu River | Flows east of Gaya; carries water only during monsoon, remains dry otherwise. |
| Pitrapaksh Festival | 16-day Hindu festival during Ashwin (September-October) for honoring ancestors. |