Patna, Sep 14: With the Pitru Paksha Mela scheduled to begin in Gayaji on September 25, the Bihar government has introduced five special Pind Daan packages for devotees, with prices starting at ₹11,250.
The packages, launched by the Bihar Tourism Department, cover Pind Daan rituals, priest services, transportation, accommodation, puja materials and vegetarian meals, offering devotees options based on their travel needs and budget.
The annual Pitru Paksha Mela will continue till October 10. Devotees from across India and abroad can book the packages online through the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.
Under Package A, devotees can undertake a one-day journey from Patna to Punpun and Gaya. The package includes transport, Pind Daan at Punpun Ghat, and rituals at the Phalgu River, Vishnupad Temple and Akshayavat. Prices range from ₹14,550 to ₹30,650.
Package B is a one-night, two-day programme combining Pind Daan with visits to Rajgir and Nalanda. It includes accommodation and vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner. The package is priced between ₹18,850 and ₹40,700, while entry tickets to monuments and tourist sites are excluded.
Package C, priced at ₹11,250 to ₹25,250, offers a complete one-day Pind Daan programme in Gayaji. It includes transportation from the railway station, airport or a place of worship within a 15-km radius, along with priest services, puja materials, accommodation and lunch.
Package D caters to devotees who wish to perform Pind Daan late at night, early in the morning or in the evening. Priced between ₹16,000 and ₹39,500, it includes transportation, accommodation, meals and rituals at the Phalgu River, Vishnupad Temple and Akshayavat.
Package E, priced from ₹16,550 to ₹32,850, combines Pind Daan in Gayaji with visits to Rajgir and Nalanda. The one-night, two-day package includes transportation, accommodation, meals, puja-related services and sightseeing, but monument entry tickets are not included.
For devotees unable to travel to Gaya, the government has also made available an e-Pind Daan facility at a cost of ₹23,000, including GST.
Under the online service, priests will perform Pind Daan or Tarpan at the Phalgu River, Vishnupad Temple and Akshayavat on behalf of devotees. Puja materials and dakshina are also included.
The entire ritual, including chanting of mantras, worship and offerings, will be video recorded and provided to the devotee on a pen drive.
Bookings and information regarding the packages can be obtained through the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation. Devotees can also contact 8544418408 and 8294307690 for assistance.
