This year, as every year, the world-famous Pitru Paksha Mela 2025 is being organized in the holy land of Gaya Ji. From September 6th to 21st, lakhs of devotees will perform Pind Daan, seeking peace and salvation for their ancestors. This tradition not only connects people living in India but also keeps Indians settled abroad connected to their roots.
In line with the times, the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has once again made the online Pind Daan facility available. The biggest advantage of this facility will be for those who cannot reach Gaya Ji due to health, time constraints, or distance. Now, they can perform Tarpan and Pind Daan for their ancestors from their homes.
How will online Pind Daan be conducted?
The corporation has fixed a package of Rs 23,000, which includes the puja material, the services of a Panda-Pujari, and the entire religious rituals. The Pind Daan will be performed methodically at three major vedis: Vishnupad Temple, Akshaya Vat, and Falgu River. The entire process will be recorded and sent to the Pinddaani’s home via a pen drive.
This facility is not limited to India, but is also open to Pinddaanis residing abroad. Devotees living in America, Europe, Gulf countries, and various parts of Asia can also fulfill their duty towards their ancestors through online means. This initiative has given a new identity to the religious and cultural importance of Gaya Ji at a global level.
When and how to book?
Online booking will start from August 25th or 26th. Interested people can apply by visiting the official website of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, bstdc.bihar.gov.in. According to Nagendra Kumar, an officer of the corporation, lakhs of devotees have joined this facility and its popularity is increasing every year.
Pitru Paksha Mela is not just a religious ritual, but a great symbol of faith and reverence towards ancestors in Indian culture. This event has not only established Gaya Ji as a religious heritage but has also made it a center of cultural unity. This tradition has now become even more widespread with the help of modern technology.
According to Nagendra Kumar, this year’s Pitru Paksha Mela will not only be held in Gaya Ji, but will also reach the homes of lakhs of Pinddaanis in the country and abroad through the online facility. He said that 10 to 12 online registrations were done last year; this time too, people have started seeking information over the phone.
DM Shashank Kumar said that he is inspecting the Vishnupad area every day. Work is being done to set up tents and barricades. This work will be completed by August 29th. Online Pind Daan has also been arranged. This facility will be available for those who cannot come here.
Regarding online Pind Daan, Premnath Taiya, a member of the Vishnupad Management Committee, said that he completely opposes the Bihar government’s online Pind Daan policy. This step shows that an attempt is being made to tarnish the Sanatani culture and civilization. He said that Gaya Ji is the land of Arpan and Tarpan. It is believed that the ancestors of those sons who come themselves and perform Tarpan in the Falgu River are liberated; such is the description.
By arranging online Pind Daan, this is a strategy to erase civilization and culture. Along with this, it is also a violation of the customs of the Panda community. This will also affect the livelihood of the Panda community. This community opposes it. If the online process is not removed, they will file a case and will go to every level to save their tradition and culture.
