Gaya: The sixth day of the Pitru Paksha Mela 2026 in Gaya will see pilgrims perform pind daan and other rituals at Brahma Sarovar, Kakbali and Aamra Sinchan Vedi on Wednesday.
The day coincides with Ashwin Krishna Chaturthi and Panchami, according to the religious calendar followed during the annual Pitru Paksha period.
The Gaya Pitru Paksha Mela began on September 25 and will continue until October 10, drawing pilgrims from different parts of India and abroad for ancestral rituals.
Pind Daan At Brahma Sarovar
Brahma Sarovar is among the important sites associated with pind daan during Pitru Paksha.
The site is located around 350 yards from the southern gate of Gaya. A fragment of an ancient mace is situated in the middle of the sarovar.
Pilgrims traditionally circumambulate the site before performing pind daan and tarpan.
Gaya priest Gajadhar Lal Katiyar said that rituals performed at these sites are traditionally believed to provide spiritual benefits to ancestors. Such beliefs are part of the religious traditions associated with Pitru Paksha.
Rituals At Kakbali Vedi
Another important ritual site for the day is Kakbali Vedi, also known as Kakavedi.
According to local religious traditions, offerings are made to crows at this site. The crow is associated with Yama, the Hindu deity traditionally linked with death and the afterlife.
Rituals also involve references to Yama and his dogs, Shyam and Shaval. Pilgrims perform pind daan using offerings prepared from urad flour as part of the traditional ceremony.
Aamra Sinchan Vedi
Pilgrims will also perform rituals at Aamra Sinchan Vedi on the sixth day.
According to the traditional practice, pind daan is performed after devotees have darshan of Tarak Brahma.
These rituals form part of the sequence of religious observances performed by pilgrims at different vedis during the Gaya Pitru Paksha period.
Around 9 Lakh Pilgrims Visit Gaya
The annual mela has witnessed a significant pilgrim turnout since it began.
According to the information shared by local sources, around 9 lakh pilgrims had visited Gaya by September 30. Nearly 4.25 lakh people arrived in the city on Tuesday alone.
Pilgrims have come from almost all states of India as well as from other countries to perform ancestral rituals during Pitru Paksha.
The administration has continued arrangements for pilgrims as the mela progresses, with facilities and crowd-management measures being maintained at major ritual sites.
The Pitru Paksha Mela will continue in Gaya until October 10, with pilgrims scheduled to perform pind daan and other ancestral rituals at different religious sites during the remaining days.
