Patna: In a decision steeped in reverence and local sentiment, the Bihar government has officially approved the renaming of Gaya town to ‘Gaya Ji’, acknowledging its profound religious and historical importance. The move was cleared during a cabinet meeting held under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Announcing the decision, Additional Chief Secretary S. Siddharth said the name change reflects the deep cultural and spiritual sentiments associated with the town. “The cabinet has taken this step keeping in mind the popular demand and the city’s religious identity. Gaya holds an unparalleled place in the spiritual geography of India,” he told reporters after the meeting.
The name ‘Gaya Ji’ is already widely used by devotees and pilgrims who flock to the town, especially for the Pind Daan rituals, an ancient tradition in Hinduism performed to honour ancestors. The official recognition of this name now formalizes a title that has long been embedded in local faith and tradition.
Celebrating the announcement, JDU National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha took to social media to thank Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the move.
“I am thankful to the honourable Chief Minister from the bottom of my heart for this important decision of changing the name and hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the residents of ‘Gayaji’,” Jha posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Prominent BJP leader and MP Ravi Shankar Prasad also welcomed the cabinet’s decision.
“The decision of the state cabinet to rename Gaya as ‘Gayaji’ is a matter of welcome and pride. This decision not only further highlights the religious significance of Gaya but also reflects the NDA government’s dedication towards Sanatan culture and commitment to the preservation of religious places,” he wrote.
Located on the banks of the Falgu River, Gaya Ji is a major spiritual hub for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists alike. It is famously associated with Lord Vishnu, and the nearby town of Bodh Gaya is globally revered as the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
