In Pitru Paksha, we observe rituals and ceremonies to bring peace to the souls of our ancestors.
During this time, it is believed that by offering tarpan (oblations) to our forefathers, we receive their blessings and maintain harmony and happiness in our homes.
Pitru Paksha also attracts a significant number of devotees and tourists to Punpun, besides Gaya, for performing these rituals.
The Commencement of International Pitru Paksha Mela
The International Pitru Paksha Mela commences today, September 28th, and will conclude on October 14th.
To facilitate smooth transportation for those visiting Punpun, temporary halts have been introduced for several passenger and express trains at Anugrah Narayan Road in Aurangabad and Punpun Ghat Halt along the Punpun River’s banks.
Punpun River – The First Site for Pind Daan
The practice of performing the first Pind Daan (offering oblations) for ancestors along the banks of the Ganga and Punpun rivers is deeply rooted in tradition.
According to ancient beliefs, Pitru Paksha is a time when performing tarpan and seeking moksha (liberation) for our forefathers is possible.
Punpun River, also mentioned as Adi Ganga in scriptures, is recognized as the first vedika (sacred altar) and entrance gate for Gaya Shraddha.
Importance of Pind Daan in Punpun River
Performing Pind Daan in the Punpun River has been a tradition for centuries. It is said that without offering the first Pind in the Punpun River, any Pind Daan performed in Gaya is considered incomplete and ineffective.
Temporary Halts for Trains
Several trains have been given temporary halts to ensure convenient travel for devotees:
- Train No. 18625/18626 Purnia Court-Hatia-Purnia Court Express
- Train No. 18623/18624 Islampur-Hatia-Islampur Express
- Train No. 13243/13244 Patna-Bhabhua Road-Patna Intercity Express
- Train No. 13347/13348 Patna-Barkakana-Patna Palamu Express
- Train No. 13349/13350 Singrauli-Patna-Singrauli Express
- Train No. 12365/12366 Patna-Ranchi-Patna Jan Shatabdi Express
- Train No. 13329/13330 Patna-Dhanbad-Patna Ganga Damodar Express
- Train No. 14223/14224 Rajgir-Varanasi-Rajgir Buddha Purnima Express
Temporary Halts for Passenger Trains
In addition to these express trains, four passenger trains have also been scheduled temporary halts between September 28th and October 14th at Anugrah Narayan Road and Chiraila Pauthu stations:
- Train No. 03383/03384 Gaya-DDU-Gaya Memu Passenger Special
- Train No. 03691/03692 Gaya-Dehri on Sone-Gaya Memu Passenger Special
- Train No. 03381/03382 Gaya-Dehri on Sone-Gaya Memu Passenger Special
- Train No. 13305/13306 Dhanbad-Sasaram-Dhanbad Intercity Passenger
These arrangements aim to provide a seamless and convenient experience for all visitors during this sacred period.
