Gayaji: In a striking demonstration of faith transcending conflict, pilgrims from war-torn Russia and Ukraine came together in Gaya this week to perform ancestral rites during the renowned Pitru Paksha festival.
On Thursday, 17 foreign devotees — including visitors from Russia, Ukraine, the United States, and Spain — participated in the ritual of offering water and rice to their ancestors at Deoghat, on the banks of the sacred Phalgu River. Dressed in traditional Indian attire, the group of three men and 14 women recited Vedic hymns under the guidance of local priest Manoj Lal Tayya.
The pilgrims also visited the Vishnu Pad Temple to offer prayers and seek blessings. Several described the festival as a profound expression of Hindu culture, offering them a sense of inner peace. One participant, Siana, said: “This is an unforgettable experience. The spirituality and respect for ancestors here have touched my heart deeply. Visiting Gaya has given me a unique opportunity to understand and embrace Indian culture.”
According to the Gaya district administration, around 2.5 million pilgrims have visited the city so far to perform ancestral rites, with large daily gatherings at Deoghat, Akshayavat, Ramshila, and Pretshila ghats. Authorities have provided extensive facilities, including security, medical care, drinking water, sanitation, and accommodations.
The sight of Russian and Ukrainian pilgrims performing rituals side by side was both poignant and symbolic, highlighting the unifying power of faith and culture even in times of conflict. Gaya, often referred to as the “city of liberation,” continues to attract people of diverse nationalities, castes, and religions, seeking spiritual solace and a connection to ancestral traditions. This year’s festival, organisers said, underscored not only religious devotion but also a message of global unity and cultural harmony.
