Gaya: Foreign devotees from countries including Italy, Russia, Germany and South Africa participated in the ongoing Pitru Paksha Mela in Gaya, performing Pind Daan and Shraddha rituals according to Hindu traditions.
The devotees performed the rituals at Sangat Ghat near the Gaya Rubber Dam, seeking peace and salvation for their deceased loved ones and ancestors.
Foreign Devotees Follow Traditional Rituals
The group that performed the rituals on Friday included devotees from different countries. They participated in the ceremony following the prescribed rituals and recited traditional mantras.
The ritual lasted around three hours, beginning with Falgutarpan at Sangat Ghat, followed by Shraddha rituals. The devotees later performed Pind Daan at Vishnupad Temple, offering the pind at Shri Vishnucharan.
Acharya Loknath Gaur, who guided the devotees during the rituals, said foreign visitors have been participating in Gaya’s Pitru Paksha ceremonies as part of their spiritual practices.
Devotees Pray For Loved Ones
The devotees performed the rituals for different family members and loved ones.
A devotee from Spain, Marina, performed Pind Daan for her son, who had died of cancer. Another participant from Italy performed the ritual for a deceased friend.
The rituals were conducted according to the traditional procedures associated with Gaya Shraddha, which is considered an important religious practice during Pitru Paksha.
More Foreign Devotees Expected
According to Acharya Loknath Gaur, 48 foreign devotees have arrived in Gaya during the current Pitru Paksha period to perform Pind Daan.
The devotees include people from Germany, Russia, Italy, South Africa and other countries. More foreign visitors are expected to participate in the rituals over Saturday and Sunday.
Domestic devotees have also continued to perform Pind Daan at various locations in Gaya despite the heat and humidity.
Gaya Remains A Major Pitru Paksha Destination
The annual Pitru Paksha period attracts devotees from across India and other countries to Gaya for Shraddha and Pind Daan rituals.
The ceremonies are performed at several religious sites, with Vishnupad Temple and the Falgu river area remaining among the key locations associated with the rituals.
The arrival of foreign devotees has added an international dimension to this year’s Pitru Paksha observances in Gaya, with visitors participating in traditional ceremonies for their ancestors and loved ones.
