One of the most sacred places for Pind Daan is Gaya, Bihar.
According to traditional beliefs, several practices can help in obtaining the blessings of ancestors.
Pitru Paksha, an important period in Hinduism, is dedicated to honouring ancestors through rituals like tarpan and Pind Daan. This year, Pitru Paksha has already begun, according to the Hindu calendar. During this 16-day period, people conduct various rituals to bring peace to their ancestors’ souls, helping them attain salvation (moksha) and rid themselves of Pitru Dosh (ancestral debt or imbalances in the family caused by not honouring ancestors). One of the most sacred places for performing Pind Daan is Gaya, Bihar. According to beliefs, performing rituals here is particularly powerful, and it is considered that ancestors who are offered these prayers achieve eternal peace. Astrologer Pandit Pankaj Pathak has emphasised that there are specific guidelines one must follow after returning from Gaya to ensure the rituals are fully effective. According to traditional beliefs, several practices can help in obtaining the blessings of ancestors and mitigating the negative influence of Pitru Dosh.
After Pind Daan, follow these rituals to gain ancestors’ blessings:
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Feeding Brahmins: It is recommended to feed Brahmins during Pitru Paksha. Offering food to Brahmins is seen as an important ritual to honour one’s ancestors. By doing so, people believe they are directly feeding their ancestors through this act of charity, helping them attain peace.
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Reciting the Bhagavad Gita: Reciting holy texts like the Bhagavad Gita is another significant practice during this period. The recitation is believed to invoke spiritual energy that aids the souls of ancestors in their journey toward salvation.
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Panchbali Bhog: Offering Panchbali Bhog, which includes five types of food offerings, is a sacred ritual to honour not only ancestors but all forms of life, including gods, animals, birds, and other creatures. This act of feeding various beings reflects gratitude toward nature and the divine, while also helping to balance one’s karmic debts.
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Worship Lord Vishnu: One must worship Lord Vishnu in a proper manner and recite or listen to Satyanarayan Katha.
