Gaya: The world-famous Pitru Paksha Mela 2025 is underway in Gayaji, Bihar. Pilgrims are arriving from all corners of the country. People from across the seven seas, including Russia, the United States, Spain, and Ukraine, have also come to offer Pind Daan. Foreign pilgrims are offering Pind Daan to pray for the salvation of their ancestors.
Foreigners performing Pind Daan at the Vishnupad Temple: A group of foreign Pind Daan attendees was seen at the Pind Vedi near the Vishnupad Temple. Fourteen women and three men performed the rituals with full rites and rituals. They chanted the Lord Vishnu, Gayatri, and Mahamrityunjaya mantras. The scene left everyone stunned, as if witnessing a dream come true.
Foreigners participating in the three-day Shraddha: These foreign Pind Daan attendees are participating in the three-day Shraddha. Pind Daan was performed at Phalgu, Sita Kund, Pretshila, Ram Shila, Kakabali, and Vishnupad. On Friday, Pind Daan will also be performed at Akshayavat and other altars. Devotees from Russia, Germany, and other countries are also joining them.
After research, these foreigners did not come merely for tourism, but after conducting extensive research on Pind Daan and Sanatan Dharma, they arrived here. They studied the effects of Sanatan mantras and, impressed by them, decided to come to Gaya for Pind Daan. They have also pledged to undertake the Char Dham Yatra. They did extensive research on Pind Daan and after this, could not stop themselves from coming to Gaya. They are performing Pind Daan in Gaya and will also go on the Char Dham Yatra. They say that during their research, they found that the chanting of Sanatan Dharma mantras has a great impact. Its impact can be seen and understood directly and indirectly.” – Abhinav Singh, Acharya associated with an organization at Kashi Dham.
Rudraksha Tilak and Chanting of Om Shri Vishnuye Namah: In keeping with the Sanatan tradition, foreign Pind Daanis wear Rudraksha Tilak around their necks and a Tilak on their foreheads. They are gathering the materials themselves to make the Pind and chanting “Om Shri Vishnuye Namah” with each chant. Seeing their devotion, locals are also moved. Oda from Russia recited the Gayatri Mantra: Oda, a Russian Pind Daani, recited the Lord Vishnu Mantra and the Gayatri Mantra in front of the media. She explained that these mantras bring positive changes in life and bring happiness and prosperity.
Connected with Kashi Dham and the Influence of Sanatan Culture: Acharya Abhinav Singh, associated with Kashi Dham, explained that these foreigners have been influenced by Sanatan culture for many years. They install Shivalinga in their homes and worship it, and are vegetarian. They have memorized the Vishnu mantra, Gayatri mantra, Mahamrityunjaya mantra, and Ganesh mantra.
“These foreign Pind Daan attendees are from Russia, America, Spain, and Ukraine. They read and researched about Pind Daan and Tarpan Shraddha. They then came here with a Sanatani spirit. They also worship Shiva and Shakti. They are performing Pind Daan and Tarpan Shraddha for the welfare of their ancestors.” – Abhinav Singh, Acharya associated with an organization in Kashi Dham.
The Panda community also expressed happiness: Gayapal Panda Bandhulal Taiya said that these foreigners have visited Gaya for the first time. Everyone in Gaya feels proud to see their faith and Sanatani spirit.
