Gaya: In a bid to transform Bodh Gaya into a model pilgrimage destination, the proposed ‘Heritage Haat’ to be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 25.3-crore aims to integrate livelihood support with heritage conservation, cultural programming, and promotion of Bihar’s GI-tagged products. Planned on 0.72 acres at the Birla Market site under the Centre’s Destination Development Scheme, the project envisions a culturally vibrant, well-regulated marketplace reflecting the spiritual ethos of the global Buddhist hub.According to officials concerned, the project will feature weekend craft melas, live folk performances by local artists, tourist-artist interaction days, and a night bazaar. The craft melas will showcase GI-tagged products such as Pattharkatti stone art of Gaya, Manpur Patwa Toli fa bric, Madhubani paintings, Bhagalpur silk, Silao khaja, and others. The plan also includes landscaped open areas, shaded seating, pedestrian pathways, extended parking, and upgraded public toilets.
The project will be executed by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC), while future operations will be managed by the local Municipal Council (Nagar Parishad).As per the proposal, around 400–500 street vendors will be relocated to a dedicated market, ensuring decongestion around the Unesco World Heritage Site — Mahabodhi Mahavihara. This is expected to enhance safety, pedestrian mobility, and the overall spiritual ambience for devotees and tourists. Heritage-themed lighting and CCTV surveillance have also been planned to ensure safety at night.Beyond its commercial aspects, the project proposes a year-round cultural calendar aligned with major Buddhist events such as Buddha Purnima, Kalachakra puja led by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tipitaka chanting, Kagyu Monlam, and Nyingma Monlam.Bodh Gaya Nagrik Vikas Manch president Suresh Singh welcomed the initiative, saying it is a positive step towards Bodh Gaya’s development. “But the locals will benefit only if they are given priority in allotment of shops at the haat. In the past, similar plans — including one prepared by the Bodh Gaya Nagar Parishad when Priti Singh was the chairman — did not yield the desired results. Therefore, officials must take steps to safeguard local interests,” he added.
