Gaya: On Thursday, the third day of the annual Pind Daan rituals in Gaya, Bihar, saw hundreds of pilgrims gather at Pretshila and its foothills. From early morning, devotees performed rituals dedicated to their ancestors, with the sacred site resonating with the chants of Brahmins and the sound of mantras.
Pretshila, known for its tradition of offering Sattu to appease the souls of the deceased, was crowded with families performing the ancient rituals. The atmosphere was filled with spiritual fervor as priests, or Pandits, narrated the significance of Pind Daan, emphasizing its importance according to scriptures.
Speaking about the ritual, a local priest explained, “The scriptures mention that if a family member has passed away untimely, performing Pind Daan at Pretshila helps liberate the soul from the ghost world. After this, performing the ritual at other major sites leads the soul toward salvation.” This belief draws people from across India and abroad, who come to offer prayers for the peace of their loved ones’ souls.
The journey to the 975-foot-high summit of Pretshila is a test of devotion. Healthy pilgrims climb the mountain using stairs, while those unable to make the trek rely on palanquin bearers, whose services are in high demand during this period.
The site, steeped in tradition and reverence, continues to attract thousands seeking solace and spiritual fulfillment for their departed loved ones.
