Seventeen Russian Devotees Perform Pind Daan in Gayaji and Prepare for Char Dham Pilgrimage A group of 17 Russian pilgrims, including 14 women, performed sacred ancestral rites at Vishnupad and Akshaya Vat in Bihar before embarking on the Char Dham yatra. A unique display of devotion unfolded at the ongoing Pitrupaksha Mela in Gaya, Bihar, where pilgrims from across India and around the world have been gathering in large numbers to offer oblations to their ancestors. On Thursday, September 18, a group of 17 foreign pilgrims from Russia completed traditional Pind Daan rituals in Gayaji, adhering strictly to sacred Sanatana customs. Rituals Conducted at Vishnupad and Akshaya Vat The visiting contingent comprised 14 women among its 17 members. Throughout the ceremonial proceedings, every pilgrim was dressed in traditional Indian attire and wore a garland of Rudraksha beads around their neck. Under the ritual guidance and leadership of Acharya Madhav, the group completed every step of the ancestral offering. The sacred rites were observed at two of the holiest shrines in Gayaji, namely the Vishnupad temple premises and the Akshaya Vat, accompanied by their tour guide. Regular Visits Since the Pandemic Era Jitendra Tanwar, the group's guide, explained that all participants hail from Russia and share an immense reverence for Sanatana Dharma. Their spiritual connection with India has remained steady over time, as members of the group have been traveling to the country regularly since around the 2020 COVID period. They make it a point to visit India at least twice a year. Earlier this year in February, the same group traveled to Pushkar to conduct formal worship and religious prayers. The guide highlighted that these travelers exclusively tour spiritual locations and dedicate themselves strictly to practicing Sanatana Dharma. Scriptural Knowledge and the Upcoming Char Dham Yatra According to Tanwar, the group possesses extensive knowledge about Sanatana Dharma, having thoroughly read foundational Hindu scriptures including the Bhagavad Gita and the Vishnu Purana. All members are devoted followers of Lord Shiva. They arrived in Gayaji two days prior to the ceremony, and having completed their ancestral oblation rituals, they are preparing to set off on the Himalayan Char Dham circuit. In two days, the pilgrims will embark on their journey covering Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Ancestral Roots Linked to Odisha One notable background detail shared about the group involves an ancestral lineage tracing directly back to India. The ancestors of one traveler originally belonged to Odisha before eventually relocating and settling in Russia. A female descendant from that very lineage traveled with the group to offer Pind Daan for her departed forebears. This marked the very first visit to Gayaji for all members of the group. Sharing their reflections, the pilgrims noted feeling exceptionally fulfilled in Gayaji, describing the sacred site as the most revered destination for ancestral salvation. Across the current Pitrupaksha Mela season, total attendance has surpassed more than 25 lakh devotees from India and abroad. What this means for you This development highlights the expanding global reach of Indian pilgrimage tourism and the enduring appeal of Sanatana traditions. • Across India: The continuous flow of international pilgrims provides sustained momentum to religious circuits such as Gayaji, Pushkar, and the Char Dham. It directly supports the livelihood of local priests, tour guides, and transport providers across major pilgrimage hubs. • In Bihar: With over 25 lakh devotees arriving for the Pitrupaksha Mela, public infrastructure and accommodation in Gaya experience high demand throughout the festival. Travelers visiting the city during this period need to plan their transit and bookings well in advance. • For international pilgrims: The active participation of overseas visitors demonstrates how Vedic rituals and philosophical texts are embraced across national boundaries. Individuals of Indian descent settled abroad are also actively returning to preserve their ancestral spiritual duties. • For Char Dham travelers: Pilgrimage groups transitioning directly from Bihar to Uttarakhand add to the ongoing footfall across high-altitude shrines. Prospective pilgrims planning journeys to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri should monitor regional travel updates and route capacities. Why this happened The event took place in observance of traditional Hindu rites performed during the Pitrupaksha period to ensure the spiritual liberation of departed ancestors. • Spiritual Significance of Pitrupaksha: In Sanatana tradition, the annual Pitrupaksha period is designated as the most sacred window for offering Pind Daan to departed souls. The holy sites of Vishnupad and Akshaya Vat in Gayaji are scripturally recognized as foremost destinations for securing ancestral salvation. • Devotion to Sacred Texts: The Russian pilgrim group comprises dedicated devotees of Lord Shiva who have closely studied the Bhagavad Gita and Vishnu Purana. Their ongoing spiritual practice led them to perform the traditional rituals directly at Gayaji. • Direct Ancestral Roots: One of the visiting pilgrims traces her lineage to ancestors from Odisha who had earlier migrated to Russia. Her desire to fulfill filial duties toward her forebears served as a personal catalyst for joining the pilgrimage. Questions & Answers 1. How many Russian pilgrims performed Pind Daan in Gayaji? A total of 17 pilgrims from Russia performed the rituals, comprising 14 women in the group. 2. Where in Gayaji were the Pind Daan rituals conducted? The rituals were conducted at the sacred Vishnupad temple premises and Akshaya Vat under the guidance of Acharya Madhav. 3. How many devotees have visited Gayaji during this Pitrupaksha Mela? More than 25 lakh pilgrims from India and abroad have visited Gayaji during this year's Pitrupaksha Mela. 4. Since when has this Russian group been visiting India regularly? The group has been traveling to India regularly since around the 2020 COVID period, visiting at least twice every year. 5. Where will the Russian pilgrim group travel after Gayaji? Two days after completing their rites in Gayaji, the group will begin the Char Dham pilgrimage covering Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. 6. Does any member of the group have ancestral ties to India? Yes, ancestors of one traveler originally hailed from Odisha before settling down in Russia. https://trendkia.com/en/spirituality/sanatana-parnpara-se-prabhavita-17-russian-shraddhaluon-ne-gayaji-men-kiya-pindadana-aba-char-dham-darshana-ki-taiyari-44942 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.