The Bihar government has officially approved the renaming of Gaya city to "Gaya Ji," citing its cultural and religious significance. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday.
Reports note that according to Additional Chief Secretary S. Siddharth, the proposal was cleared to reflect the city’s longstanding religious importance and the manner in which it is colloquially referred to by locals. The change is now set to be formalised in official records and documentation.
Gaya, located in the Magadh region of southern Bihar, holds considerable religious value for followers of both Hinduism and Buddhism. It is a prominent pilgrimage destination where rituals such as "Pind Daan" are performed by Hindus in memory of ancestors. The nearby town of Bodh Gaya is also globally recognised as the site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, attracting visitors and spiritual seekers from around the world.
The addition of "Ji" is a commonly used term of respect in Hindi, and is frequently used by locals when referring to the city. Officials state that the new name "Gaya Ji" aligns with traditional and cultural usage, particularly in religious contexts.
The renaming comes at a time when the Bihar government has been pursuing a series of development projects in Gaya, including tourism infrastructure and public services. These include the inauguration of a Mahabodhi Guest House, a sports complex, and the construction of new Panchayat Sarkar Bhawans. The government has also approved a budget for healthcare improvements, including the establishment of a cancer care centre.
While some political analysts have noted the timing of the announcement—months ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections—the government has it presented as part of a broader effort to promote heritage conservation and tourism.
Following cabinet approval, state agencies are expected to update official records, signage, and administrative references to reflect the new name. The government has not indicated any changes to postal codes or municipal jurisdiction as a result of the renaming. Further developments are expected as the name change is gradually integrated into official and public usage.
(with inputs from multiple reports)
