Pitru Paksha holds a special place in Hindu tradition, with Shraadh and Pind Daan performed as rituals to honour ancestors and pray for peace for their souls. Gaya Ji in Bihar is considered particularly significant for these rituals, and religious beliefs associate Pind Daan performed here with the spiritual upliftment of ancestors across 108 lineages and seven generations.
With the annual Pitru Paksha Mela drawing devotees from across the country and abroad, Gaya Ji can get especially busy during this period. From the important ritual sites and estimated costs to travel arrangements, here is a look at what devotees planning a Pind Daan visit to Gaya Ji in 2026 should know.
Pitru Paksha Mela 2026
Every year during Pitru Paksha, Gaya Ji hosts the Pitru Paksha Mela, drawing people from different parts of the world to perform Shraadh and Pind Daan for their ancestors. Gaya has 48 major Vedis for Pind Daan, with Vishnupad Temple, Gaya Shiromani Temple, the Phalgu River, Panchteerth and Sita Kund considered among the most important.
This year's Pitru Paksha Mela in Gaya Ji began on September 25 and will continue until October 10, 2026. October 10 is Sarvapitru Amavasya, when Shraadh is performed for ancestors whose date of death is not known.
How much does Pind Daan in Gaya Ji cost?
Pitru Paksha attracts lakhs of devotees, so it is advisable to book train tickets and accommodation in advance. For those travelling from Delhi to Gaya Ji, train fares can start at around Rs 500 and go up to Rs 3,000 depending on the class. Airfares can range from around Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000.
Accommodation in Gaya may cost around Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,000, depending on the facilities and comfort preferred.
The cost of Pind Daan, Shraadh and other puja rituals can range from Rs 2,100 to Rs 5,100 and even up to Rs 11,000. The Pind Daan charges may vary separately. Before beginning the Shraadh rituals, it is advisable to discuss the total cost of the puja materials, sankalp and dakshina with the priest beforehand so there is no confusion later.
Where possible, devotees can contact the authorised Gayawal Panda Ji associated with their lineage and family.
Religious significance of Pind Daan in Gaya Ji
Gaya Ji, situated along the Phalgu River in Bihar's Magadh region, is regarded as one of the country's ancient and sacred pilgrimage sites for performing Pind Daan for ancestors. The place is also known for the Bodhi tree under which Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment.
The Vishnu Purana and Vayu Purana are said to describe Gaya as a land associated with moksha. Religious belief also holds that Lord Vishnu is present here in the form of Pitru Devata. Pind Daan performed at Gaya is traditionally believed to provide spiritual upliftment to 108 lineages and seven generations.
It is also believed that Lord Brahma performed Pind Daan for his ancestors on the banks of the Phalgu River in Gaya. In the Treta Yuga, Lord Rama is said to have performed Pind Daan here for his father, King Dasharatha.
According to tradition, Gaya once had 360 Vedis, of which 48 remain today for performing Pind Daan. Akshay Vat is another important site where devotees follow the tradition of making offerings for their ancestors. Such donations are traditionally believed to bring lasting punya.
Another belief associated with Gaya Ji is that a person can perform their own Pind Daan and Shraadh while still alive.
How to reach Gaya Ji
With lakhs of devotees visiting during Pitru Paksha, booking train tickets and accommodation in advance is advisable. For travellers coming from Delhi, train fares can start from around Rs 500 and go up to Rs 3,000 depending on the class, while flights can cost around Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000. Accommodation in Gaya can range from around Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,000 depending on the facilities.
To reach Gaya Ji, travellers can first make their way to Bihar's capital, Patna, or another major city in the region, and then travel onwards to Gaya. The journey from Patna to Gaya can take up to around two hours.
After arriving at Gaya Ji Junction, visitors can use an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach the Pind Daan sites. Those travelling from Patna by road can opt for a bus, taxi or private car.
For anyone planning to perform Pind Daan during Pitru Paksha, planning the journey and rituals in advance can make the visit considerably easier, especially during the busy Mela period.
With October 10 marking Sarvapitru Amavasya, devotees performing Shraadh for ancestors whose death date is unknown traditionally observe the rituals on this day.
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(Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on religious beliefs and popular traditions. There is no scientific evidence to support these beliefs. India TV does not certify the authenticity of any of the information provided.)
