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Key Points

President Murmu made history by becoming the first sitting President to perform pind daan rituals at Gaya's sacred sites. She conducted the ceremonies under the guidance of her ancestral records keeper from Odisha. The event saw massive security arrangements with complete traffic control throughout the city. Her participation brought national attention to Bihar's religious heritage during the Pitru Paksha festival.

Key Points: President Murmu Performs Historic Pind Daan at Gaya Vishnupad Temple

  • First sitting President to perform pind daan in Indian history
  • Rituals conducted at Vishnupad Temple and Phalgu Akshayavat
  • Heavy security deployed with traffic restrictions throughout Gaya
  • Traditional customs followed under guidance of ancestral records keeper
2 min read

President Droupadi Murmu performs 'pind daan' at Gayaji

President Droupadi Murmu becomes first sitting Indian President to perform sacred pind daan rituals at Gaya's Vishnupad Temple during Pitru Paksha Mela.

"This marks the first time in Indian history that a sitting President has performed pind daan - Article"

Patna, Sep 20

President Droupadi Murmu performed the sacred 'pind daan and shraaddh' rituals for her ancestors at the Vishnupad Temple and Phalgu Akshayavat in the world-famous Pitru Paksha Mela in Gayaji on Saturday.

This marks the first time in Indian history that a sitting President has performed 'pind daan', a ritual believed to ensure salvation for the souls of departed forefathers.

The President, whose ancestral village is Upar Beda in Odisha’s Mayurganj region, offered the rituals under the guidance of Rajesh Lal Katariar, the keeper of ancestral records for families of Upar Beda.

During the occasion, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Gayaji DM Shashank Shubhankar, SSP Anand Kumar and other senior officers were present.

Security in Gayaji was heightened for the occasion, with heavy police deployment, strict traffic control, and constant surveillance along the President’s route.

Eyewitnesses reported that the President carried out the rituals in strict accordance with traditional customs, accompanied by senior administrative and religious officials.

During the fortnight-long Pitru Paksha, thousands of devotees from across India and the world visit Gayaji to perform 'pind daan' for the peace of their ancestors' souls.

President Murmu's participation not only enhanced the spiritual significance of this year's mela but also drew national attention, adding a moment of pride and reverence for Bihar’s religious heritage.

President Murmu arrived at Gaya International Airport around 11 a.m. on a special Indian Air Force flight, before travelling by road to the temple via the Patna–Gaya–Dobhi four-lane highway.

The district administration and police had put in place multi-layered security measures along the entire route from the airport to the temple, with heavy deployment of forces and tight traffic control to ensure a smooth passage.

According to the route map, President Murmu travelled from Gaya Airport via the Dobhi-Gaya main road, passing through Gate No. 5 Bypass, Ghughri Tad Bypass, Narayani Bridge, and Bengali Ashram before reaching Vishnupad Temple. The return journey followed the same route.

The restrictions were in place during her visit to Domuhan to Sikaria Mor, Gate No. 5 to City Public School, Chand Chaura Crossing, Bengali Ashram, and Ghughri Tad Bypass.

No vehicle movement was permitted during the president's visit.

Barricading has been placed at multiple points along the convoy route, and alternative transportation arrangements are being made for the public.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh W
As someone from Bihar, I feel so proud that our President chose Gaya for this sacred ritual. Gaya ji has been the spiritual capital for pitru tarpan for centuries. This recognition means a lot to us!
S
Sarah B
While I respect the President's personal religious practices, I hope the extensive security arrangements and traffic disruptions didn't inconvenience local residents too much. There should be a balance between VIP visits and public convenience.
A
Arjun K
This is truly historic! First sitting President to perform pind daan. It shows how our culture and constitutional positions can coexist beautifully. President Murmu is representing the best of Indian values.
K
Kavya N
My family has been going to Gaya for generations to perform pind daan. Seeing our President do the same rituals that common people do is so relatable and inspiring. It bridges the gap between the highest office and ordinary citizens.
M
Michael C
Interesting to read about the ancestral records keeper guiding the President. India's traditional systems of maintaining family histories are remarkable. Each village having someone who maintains these records for generations is fascinating.

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