The sacred period of Pitru Paksha began on 17th September 2024. The period is dedicated to honouring our ancestors. It also known as the Shraadh period and will culminate on 2nd October. It's believed that during this period the souls of our ancestors visit Earth, and family members perform rituals for their peace.
The sacred city of Gaya in Bihar is the most significant place for performing Shraadh rituals.
On the 14th day of Pitru Paksha, during the evening of the Trayodashi Tithi, there is a tradition of celebrating "Pitru Diwali" at Devghat, located on the banks of the Vishnupad Falgu River in Gaya.
During this event, lamps are lit for the ancestors, and fireworks are displayed. It is believed that offering lamps on this day illuminates the path for the ancestors to reach heaven.
In addition to Devghat, devotees also light lamps near the Sun Temple, praying for the peace of their ancestor's souls. People from across the country and abroad light ghee lamps for their ancestors, and the entire Devghat is illuminated by the thousands of lamps lit during the celebration.
Tradition of Lighting 1,000, 500, or 108 Diyas
On the 14th day, there is a custom of bathing in the Falgu River and offering milk as part of a ritual. In the evening, “Pitru Diwali” is celebrated, where lamps are lit for the ancestors and fireworks are displayed. Devotees from India and abroad come to the Falgu riverbank to celebrate Pitru Diwali.
Family members, based on their devotion, light 1,000, 500, or 108 lamps or diyas to honour their ancestors. This is believed to help the ancestors ascend directly from the realm of Yama (the god of death) to heaven, granting them salvation.