Gaya Ji is preparing for the annual Pitru Paksha Mela 2025, a significant event for Hindus, scheduled from September 6th to September 21st. This year marks the introduction of online Pind Daan services, expanding accessibility for devotees unable to travel to the sacred site. The tradition of Pind Daan is crucial for offering prayers and seeking salvation for departed ancestors.
The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has facilitated online Pind Daan to overcome barriers of distance, time, and health, enabling individuals to perform rituals from their homes. This innovative approach caters to those who cannot physically attend the mela, ensuring they can still honor their ancestors.
The online package includes puja materials, priest services, and the complete religious ceremony, priced at Rs 23,000. The Pind Daan will be performed at three main locations: Vishnupad Temple, Akshaya Vat, and Falgu River. Participants will receive a recording of the entire ceremony via pen drive.
This service extends beyond India, reaching devotees in the United States, Europe, the Gulf countries, and Asia. It seeks to enhance the religious and cultural importance of Gaya Ji on a global scale.
Online booking commences on August 25th or 26th through the BSTDC website. Nagendra Kumar reports increasing popularity, with numerous devotees already utilizing the online service.
The Pitru Paksha Mela symbolizes the reverence for ancestors in Indian culture, solidifying Gaya Ji as a cultural and religious heritage site. Modern technology has broadened the scope of this tradition.
According to Nagendra Kumar, the upcoming Mela will reach devotees worldwide through the online platform. He stated that the online service had a positive response last year and anticipates an even larger reach this year.
District Magistrate Shashank Kumar is overseeing preparations, ensuring proper arrangements for in-person and online participants. Preparations include tent setup and barricading, scheduled to be completed by August 29th.
However, Premnath Taiya, a member of the Vishnupad Management Committee, has expressed opposition to the online Pind Daan policy. He believes it undermines the Sanatani culture and the traditional significance of Gaya Ji. Taiya emphasizes the belief that offering Tarpan in the Falgu River is vital for the liberation of ancestors. He fears the online system threatens the cultural practices of the Panda community. He and the community plan to pursue legal action if the online process is not discontinued, striving to protect their heritage.