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Foreign Pilgrims Perform Ancestor Rituals in Gaya Ji
People from several countries visited Gaya Ji in Bihar for a Hindu ceremony called pind daan.
This ceremony honors family members and friends who have died.
The visitors prayed, made offerings and performed rituals near the Falgu River.
Some also visited Vishnupad Temple and other holy places.
They wore traditional Indian clothes such as saris and dhoti-kurtas.
The pilgrims came from countries including Italy, Germany, Russia, Ukraine and Ghana.
One visitor said she had studied Hinduism and read the Bhagavad Gita.
The religious gathering was part of the Pitru Paksha Mahasangam Mela, held from September 25 to October 10.
Foreign visitors from Europe and Ghana performed pind daan and tarpan during Bihar’s Pitru Paksha fair.
The rituals took place on the Falgu River banks, at Vishnupad Temple and other sacred altars.
Visitors from Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Italy and several other countries participated in Hindu traditions.
A priest said 48 foreign pilgrims arrived in three groups over two days.
The pilgrims said they came to honor deceased relatives and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
- Who
- Foreign pilgrims from countries including Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Italy and Ghana, along with Hindu priests and other devotees.
- What
- They performed pind daan and tarpan rituals to honor deceased ancestors and seek peace for their souls.
- Where
- On the banks of the Falgu River and at Vishnupad Temple and sacred pind vedis in Gaya Ji, Bihar.
- When
- During the Pitru Paksha Mahasangam Mela, held from September 25 to October 10; the report describes events on October 2.
- Why
- They came to remember and honor deceased relatives and friends through Hindu religious traditions.
Key facts
- Event
- Pitru Paksha Mahasangam Mela
- Location
- Gaya Ji, Bihar, India
- Festival dates
- September 25 to October 10
- Rituals
- Pind daan and tarpan
- Sacred sites
- Falgu River, Vishnupad Temple and various pind vedis
- Foreign arrivals
- A priest said 48 people arrived in three groups over two days
- Countries mentioned
- Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Ghana, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands
Quotes
Lok Nath Gaur
A priest assisting foreign pilgrims in Gaya Ji.
“People come here to perform rituals for their sons, husbands, brothers and other relatives. Devotees from several European countries, including Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands have arrived to perform the rituals here. Forty-eight people arrived in three batches in two days.”
theprint.in
Natalia
A first-time visitor from Milan, Italy.
“I am very happy to be here. I express my gratitude to this land for giving us the opportunity to worship our ancestors.”
theprint.in
An unnamed German pilgrim
A young woman from Germany visiting Gaya Ji to perform ancestral rituals.
“Gaya Ji is a special place with a unique energy, unlike Germany”
theprint.in
Sources
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