Gayaji: The world-famous Pitru Paksha fair in Gayaji, Bihar, entered its fifth day with thousands of pilgrims performing pind daan at the sacred altars of Kakabali, Aamr Sinchan and Brahma Sarovar.
On Ashwin Krishna Chaturthi, the day is marked by offerings made from barley flour. According to tradition, each altar carries its own spiritual significance. At Kakabali, pind daan offered in the name of the crow is believed to carry the pilgrim’s prayers directly to their ancestors. At Brahma Sarovar, rituals are accompanied by tarpan, with water offerings strengthening the bond with forebears. Aamr Sinchan, meanwhile, recalls a legend from the Puranas that Brahma himself planted a mango tree here, its roots nourished by kush grass and ritual water, granting salvation to departed souls.
The footfall has been immense. Officials said that more than 3 lakh pilgrims performed rituals on Wednesday alone, bringing the total to over 9.24 lakh devotees so far.
“This day holds deep importance in the scriptures. By offering pind daan at these altars, ancestors are believed to attain Brahmalok,” said Gayapal priest Gajadhar Lal Katriyar, urging devotees to follow complete rites and rituals.
Pitru Paksha in Gayaji is observed at numerous holy sites including the Punpun riverbank, Falgu river, Brahma Kund, Pret Shila, Ram Shila, Sita Kund and the Vishnupad temple. Each day, acharyas guide pilgrims through pind daan and tarpan at different altars, continuing a tradition that stretches back through centuries.
