by Suresh Pd Nikhar
Gaya: The Pitru Paksha Mela, a significant festival for followers of Sanatan Dharma, is currently in full swing at Gaya Dham, also known as Moksha Nagri, since its commencement this year. Pilgrims from across India and around the world are arriving daily to perform ‘Pind Daan’— a ritual honoring their ancestors.
On Saturday night, a group of foreign pilgrims arrived in Gaya to participate in the ceremonies. These 12 pilgrims, hailing from various countries including Russia, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Germany, and other regions of Africa, traveled to Gaya via Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva. Upon arrival, they visited important sites such as Vishnupad, Devghat, and the Sitakund complex.
District Magistrate Dr. Tyagarajan SM welcomed the foreign devotees at the Samvad Sadan office, inquiring about their experiences and impressions of the local culture. He noted that the state government has made extensive preparations to accommodate the influx of Pind Daan pilgrims each year, including the construction of facilities to ensure a reliable water supply for rituals.
One foreign devotee, who has been visiting Gaya for the past three to four years, praised the improvements made each year, emphasizing the effective arrangements for traffic, security, and the availability of Gangajal for worship. The District Magistrate confirmed that Gangajal is being distributed as a gift to every pilgrim through the initiative ‘Puch.’
During their visit, the District Magistrate presented each foreign pilgrim with a coffee table book about Gaya Ji, a booklet on Tarpan, and a packet of Gangajal.
On Monday, the pilgrims are scheduled to perform rituals at Devghat, honoring their ancestors with offerings and prayers led by Acharya Loknath Gaur. He highlighted the significance of the Pind Daan rituals, which will take place at various sacred locations including Vishnupad and Akshayvat.
The presence of foreign pilgrims during the Pitru Paksha Mela showcases the universal appeal of Gaya as a spiritual destination, attracting devotees from diverse backgrounds eager to connect with their ancestral heritage. Nodal Officer for the Pitru Paksha Mela, Senior Deputy Collector Ravindra Diwakar, was also present to welcome the foreign devotees.
