PATNA, May 16 -- Gaya town, one of the most famous religiously significant and touristically famous cities of Bihar, will now be officially known as Gaya Ji. The state cabinet, headed by chief minister Nitish Kumar, on Friday approved the general administrative department's (GAD) proposal to rename Gaya as Gaya Ji.

Lakhs of tourists from across the globe visit Gaya every year during Pitrapaksh (usually in September) to offer prayers (pind daan) to the souls of departed ancestors since time immemorial. Legends have it that the town was named after a demon called Gayasur lived in the region in Treta Yuga. According to Vayu Purana, the demon performed strict penance and got blessed by Lord Vishu and thus became a pious soul.

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