Pilgrims converge in Gaya to conduct ‘Pind Daan’ despite severe cold
By ANIFriday, January 15, 2010
GAYA - Thousands of Hindus are visiting Gaya to conduct ‘Pind Daan’, a ritual performed for the salvation of ancestors’ souls, and taking a holy dip in the Falgu river as a part the ritual unmindful of severe cold.
The number of people rises sharply during the Hindu month of Magh (January-February), as this period of the year is considered very auspicious and the best time for conducting the rituals.
Rajendar Shikharwar, a priest in Gaya said, “While observing the Hindu faith and tradition, the devotees refuse to get deterred by the cold, heat or rains. In short, weather is immaterial to the pilgrims.”
“In fact, the influx of the pilgrims coming to perform ‘Pind Daan’ has only increased,” he added.
People visiting Gaya have deep faith in this ritual.
“I came here to perform the Pind Daan for my demised parents, and I believe that after the consummation of the ritual their souls would attain salvation,” said Kumar Kohli, who came from Mumbai for ‘Pind Daan’.
The ‘Pind Dan’ is conducted with the belief of reincarnation, the notion that the body changes but soul remains intact, making life-death cycle perpetual. (ANI)
