Every year during the sacred period of Pitrupaksha, thousands of devotees from across India and around the globe travel to Gaya to perform the rituals of Tarpan and Pind Daan for their ancestors. Recognizing the spiritual significance of this event and the logistical challenges faced by visitors, the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has introduced five specialized travel and pilgrimage packages. Designed to fit various budgets and schedules, these packages range from single-day trips to comprehensive two-day itineraries that combine essential religious rituals with transport, lodging, and meals. For those unable to travel to Bihar, a virtual e-Pind Daan service has also been introduced.
Key Dates and Services for Pitrupaksha Mela 2026
The Pitrupaksha Mela is scheduled to take place in Gaya from September 25 to October 10, 2026. To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims during this fortnight, BSTDC’s customized packages are designed as one-stop solutions. They include coordination of the Pind Daan rituals, services of local priests (pandas), requisite puja materials, local transportation, hotel accommodations, and pure vegetarian meals. Depending on the selected package, pilgrims also have the option to combine their spiritual journey with visits to historically and culturally significant sites in Rajgir and Nalanda.
Patna to Gaya One-Day Pilgrimage (Package 1)
The first package is curated for devotees seeking a quick, single-day round trip starting from Patna. It features hassle-free pickup and drop services within a 10-kilometer radius of Patna, including the Patna Railway Station and Patna Airport. Travel is arranged in comfortable Sedan or Hatchback cars.
This itinerary covers the initial Pind Daan rituals at Punpun Ghat, including all ritual fees and puja materials. Subsequently, visitors are driven to Gaya to complete their ancestral rites at the Phalgu River, Vishnupad Temple, and Akshayavat. The package offers hotel day-use options ranging from budget AC accommodations to three-star properties, alongside a pure vegetarian lunch. Prices for this package range from ₹14,550 to ₹30,650, varying by the number of travelers (up to four passengers) and the hotel category selected.
Two-Day Package with Rajgir and Nalanda Sightseeing (Package 2)
For a more detailed journey, the second package spans one night and two days, starting and ending in Patna. It offers pickup and drop services, comprehensive ritual arrangements at Punpun Ghat and Gaya, puja materials, priest services, overnight hotel stay, and all vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
A unique highlight of this tour is the inclusion of a sightseeing excursion to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir and the ancient university ruins in Nalanda. It is important to note that entry tickets to these historical monuments and tourist spots are not covered under the package cost and must be purchased directly by the tourists. The pricing for this package is set between ₹18,850 and ₹40,700.
Gaya-Centric Pilgrimage Options (Packages 3 and 4)
For pilgrims arriving directly in Gaya, the third package provides localized services. It includes pickup and drop-off from the Gaya Railway Station, Gaya Airport, or any location within a 15-kilometer radius of the ritual sites. The package covers Tarpan at the Phalgu River, and Pind Daan at both the Vishnupad Temple and Akshayavat. Priest fees, ritual charges, puja items, accommodation, and a vegetarian lunch are fully integrated. This option is priced between ₹11,250 and ₹25,250.
Additionally, for devotees who prefer performing these sacred rituals during late-night, early-morning, or evening hours, BSTDC has structured the fourth package. This overnight package (two days and one night) includes airport/station pickups in Gaya, transport, hotel accommodation, and vegetarian lunch and dinner. It covers all key rituals at the Phalgu River, Vishnupad Temple, and Akshayavat, with prices ranging from ₹16,000 to ₹39,500.
Gaya to Rajgir and Nalanda Tour (Package 5)
The fifth package is designed for travelers who want to start their journey from Gaya, complete their rituals, and then explore neighboring tourist hubs. This two-day, one-night package provides pickups within a 15-kilometer radius of Gaya, including the local station or airport. It covers logistics, religious services, puja kits, lodging, and meals.
Under this plan, tourists will visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir and the historic ruins of Nalanda. Similar to other sightseeing packages, monument entry fees must be paid individually by the tourists. This package is priced between ₹16,550 and ₹32,850.
Global Accessibility via Online e-Pind Daan
Understanding that physical travel might not be feasible for everyone due to age, health, or geographic barriers, BSTDC has introduced a remote e-Pind Daan package. Priced at ₹23,000 inclusive of GST, this digital service allows devotees to have their ancestral rites performed by authorized priests at the Phalgu River, Vishnupad Temple, and Akshayavat. The complete ritual is performed according to Vedic traditions, and a high-definition video recording of the ceremony is saved on a pen drive and couriered to the devotee's address. All priest fees, dakshina, and puja materials are fully covered under this fee.
Pilgrims interested in booking any of these packages for the upcoming Pitrupaksha Mela can visit the official website of the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation. For detailed inquiries, booking assistance, and customized requests, the corporation has also provided dedicated contact numbers: 8544418408 and 8294307690.
