Gayaji: The world-renowned Pitru Paksha mela in Gayaji has entered its final phase, drawing millions of pilgrims to the Phalgu River for ancestral rites and prayers.
On the 14th day of the mela, which coincides with the 13th day of Gaya Shradh, devotees followed the long-held custom of bathing in the Phalgu River and offering milk to their ancestors. Rituals are traditionally carried out at the Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati ghats in the morning, afternoon and evening. Priests say these rites are believed to grant liberation to departed souls and guide them to Vishnu Loka, the abode of Vishnu.
The day is also marked by Pitru Diwali, celebrated on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of Ashvin. Devotees light lamps in memory of their ancestors, transforming the ghats into a spectacle of flickering light along the river. “On this day, one should take a ritual bath in the Phalgu River and offer milk as an offering to one’s ancestors,” said Gajadhar Lal Katariya, a senior priest in Gaya. “Performed with proper rites and offerings, this ensures the souls of one’s departed forebears attain liberation.”
Tradition holds that on this night Yamaraja, the god of death, allows souls to return to the mortal world. Families welcome them with prayers and offerings of sweetened rice pudding, which is given to Brahmins as part of the rituals. In return, it is believed, ancestors bless their descendants with prosperity and good fortune.
Although fireworks were once part of the celebration, local authorities have prohibited the practice in recent years over safety concerns.
The district administration said more than 2.6 million pilgrims have already taken part in the fair this year, with large crowds still arriving in the holy city. Footfall counters at the ghats confirm the steady influx of devotees during the fortnight-long observances.
