Gayaji: The annual Pitru Paksha fair, a centuries-old ritual honouring ancestors, is in full swing in Gaya, Bihar, drawing thousands of devotees from across the country. On the 12th day of the festival, coinciding with the 11th day of Gaya Shraddha, pilgrims performed the sacred ritual of Pind Daan at the city’s three main altars: Mund Prishtha, Adi Gaya, and Dhaut Pada.
The ritual, conducted on Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi, involves offering khoya or sesame jaggery balls to ancestors, believed to help them attain salvation and reach Vishnu Loka, the abode of Lord Vishnu. According to Gayapal Panda Gajadhar Lal Katariyar, “Pind Daan should be performed on the Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi date at Mund Prishtha, Adi Gaya, and Dhaut Pada. By offering Pind Daan at these altars, the ancestors attain Vishnu Loka.”
Mund Prishtha holds special religious significance, with scriptures stating that Lord Vishnu sat at the altar to stabilise the Dharma Shila placed on the demon Gayasur. Meanwhile, Dhaut Pada Pindvedi is associated with the donation of silver, believed to liberate ancestors and grant salvation. Tradition holds that even Lord Brahma made offerings here, and the altar’s name reflects a pledge made by the sage Dhaut Rishi.
The festival has seen a remarkable influx of devotees this year. District authorities reported that more than 2.49 million pilgrims, known as Pinddaanis, have visited Gaya as of September 16, with over 100,000 arriving on Tuesday alone. “Offering Pind Daan during the Pitru Paksha fair is considered particularly fruitful,” Katariyar added, noting that Gaya remains a year-round centre for rituals such as Triapakshik Shraddha and one- to eight-day Shraddha ceremonies.
Pind Daan is performed at multiple sacred sites in Gaya, including Punpun Bank, Phalgu River, Brahma Kund, Pret Shila, Ram Shila, Sita Kund, and the Vishnupad Temple. Daily rituals, guided by Acharyas, continue on various altars and ponds, drawing devotees seeking spiritual solace for their ancestors.
