Patna : The Gaya Pitru Paksha Mela has entered its final five days, with pilgrims set to complete ancestral rituals at several important pind vedis before the mela concludes on October 10.
The mela began on September 25, drawing pilgrims from different parts of India and abroad to Gaya for pind daan, shraddha and tarpan rituals for their ancestors.
Gaya is traditionally regarded as a sacred place for performing ancestral rites. During Pitru Paksha, thousands of pilgrims visit the city each day to perform rituals at designated pind vedis.
Final Five Days Of Pitru Paksha
Pilgrims undertaking the tripakshik shraddha have completed the rituals scheduled during the first 10 days of Pitru Paksha.
During this period, pind daan and tarpan were performed at several important sites, including Godavari, Falgu, Pretshila, Ramkund, Kakbali, Uttar Manas, Kankhal, Dharmaranya Koop, Bodh Darshan, Brahmasarovar, Roop Pad, Brahmapad, Kartikpad, Suryapad, Chandrapad, Ganeshpad, Indrapad, Kashyapad and Sitakund.
The remaining five days will now focus on the final set of important ritual sites.
Pind Daan At Key Vedis, Milk Tarpan In Falgu
During the final phase, pilgrims will perform pind daan at Gayakoop, Mundprishtha, Bhimgaya and Gau Prachar vedis.
The rituals will also include milk tarpan in the Falgu River, which forms part of the traditional rites performed during the final days of the pilgrimage.
Pind daan and tarpan will additionally be performed at Pitru Deepawali, Vaitarani and Akshay Vat.
These rituals will mark the final stages of the tripakshik shraddha, as pilgrims complete the prescribed sequence of ancestral rites.
Pilgrims Continue Arriving In Gaya
Even during the final phase, pilgrims from different parts of the country are expected to visit Gaya to perform the rituals.
Devotees will carry out shraddha, tarpan and pind daan according to established religious customs at the designated vedis.
Each of the ritual sites in Gaya has a specific place in the traditional sequence of ancestral rites performed during Pitru Paksha.
Pitru Paksha Mela To End On October 10
After the remaining rituals are completed, the Pitru Paksha Mela will conclude on October 10.
The conclusion of the mela will mark the end of the annual Pitru Paksha pilgrimage for devotees who travelled to Gaya to perform ancestral rites at its various sacred sites.
