Pitru Paksha pilgrimage in Gaya

Gaya, Bihar, serves as a significant spiritual center for Sanatana devotees during the Pitru Paksha period. Pilgrims travel to the region to perform Pind Daan and Tarpan rituals, which are believed to provide peace and salvation (Moksha) to ancestors. The area features over 45 sacred sites, including the Vishnupad Temple, the Falgu River, and Akshayavat, each holding specific religious importance for addressing ancestral needs.

To complement these traditional practices, local authorities have introduced modern and environmental initiatives. The district administration and Forest Department launched the ‘One Tree in the Name of Ancestors’ campaign at Pitru Vatika, encouraging devotees to plant trees as a way to honor their lineage. Additionally, a new laser light show has been inaugurated in the city to enhance the experience for visiting pilgrims.

The Pitru Paksha Mela, which runs from September 25 to October 10, is increasingly attracting international interest. During the ongoing festivities, a group of 48 foreign devotees from various nations—including Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, France, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, and Ghana—performed Pind Daan rituals along the banks of the Falgu River.

Religious leader Loknath Gaur noted that many of these individuals have embraced Sanatana Dharma following personal tragedies. Some pilgrims reported seeking peace for family members lost to accidents. These devotees followed specific religious protocols and wore traditional Indian attire, such as sarees and dhotis-kurtas, while performing rites at sacred sites.