Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, September 6, 2025: The holy city of Gaya has once again opened its arms to lakhs of devotees arriving for the annual Pitru Paksha fair, a sacred event dedicated to honouring ancestors through Pind Daan, Shradh and Tarpan rituals.
This year, the Pitru Paksha Fair will run for 16 days—from September 6 to September 21—due to the Shradh of Ashwin Krishna Shashthi and Saptami falling on the same day on September 13.
Traditionally held for 17 days, this adjustment has shortened the observance by one day.
Pitru Paksha Fair, a festival of ancestral salvation:
Pitru Paksha is regarded as the time to repay the debt of ancestors.
It is believed that performing Pind Daan during these days grants peace and liberation to departed souls.
Owing to this belief, Gaya is revered as Moksha Nagari, the city of salvation.
During the Pitru Paksha fair, devotees perform rituals at sacred sites such as the Falgu River, Punpun River, Brahma Kund, Pret Shila, Ramshila, Sita Kund, and the Vishnupad temple.
Each day carries its own prescribed offerings, performed under the guidance of Acharyas at designated altars and Kunds.
Massive devotee footfall expected:
Authorities estimated that over 17 lakh devotees, including thousands from abroad, will participate in rituals this year.
Families from across India and foreign countries travel to Gaya annually, carrying the wishes of ensuring salvation for their ancestors.
As soon as the Pitru Paksha fair starts, the ancestors reach Gaya and wait for their descendants. The moment their descendants arrive, the ancestors begin to rejoice,” said Raja Acharya of Ramacharya Mantralaya Pathshala in Gaya, underlining the deep faith associated with the rituals.
The Pitru Paksha fair is not just a religious congregation but a centuries-old tradition that has been passed down through generations.
Families have preserved the custom of visiting Gaya for Pind Daan, making it both a cultural legacy and a spiritual duty.
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EOM.