aya: A family from Russia visited Gaya district to perform pind daan for a relative who was killed in the Russia-Ukraine war, local priests said on Friday.
The rituals were carried out on the banks of the Falgu river, a site considered sacred in Hindu tradition for offerings made for the peace of deceased ancestors.
According to those present, the deceased was identified as Face Tu Bal Gaye, who reportedly died during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Family members participate in rituals
The ceremony was attended by the deceased’s sister, Lalita Radha Rani Face, brother-in-law Sundara Face and other family members, including a young child.
The family performed the rituals with Vedic chants and traditional customs under the guidance of local priests.
Speaking during the ceremony, Sundara Face said the family had travelled to Gaya because of the religious belief associated with pinddaan and the peace it is believed to bring to departed souls.
He said the family was also praying for peace and wellbeing within the household following the loss.
Ritual conducted at Falgu riverbank
The pinddaan ritual was performed under the giedance of local priest Kumar Gaurav.
He said the family had come specifically from Russia to perform the rituals in Gaya, which is regarded as an important spiritual centre for ancestral rituals.
According to Hindu belief, pinddaan performed in Gaya is associated with attaining moksha, or liberation, for the souls of the deceased from the rebirth cycle.
Gaya attracts pilgrims from India and abroad
Every year, thousands of devotees from across India and overseas visit Gaya to perform rituals for their ancestors.
Local residents and pilgrims present at the Falgu riverbank said the foreign family’s participation reflected the growing international recognition of Gaya’s religious significance.
