Pitru Paksha 2027 in Gaya: dates, pind daan and planning

Pitru Paksha, also called Shradh Paksha or Mahalaya, is a fortnight of the Hindu calendar set aside for the pitrs, a family's ancestors. Hindu tradition holds that during these days the ancestors are especially near, and that the shradh, tarpan and pind daan offered then bring them peace.

The fortnight is the dark half (Krishna paksha) of the lunar month of Ashwin, and it ends on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya, the new-moon day. Families across India keep these days quietly. Many avoid celebrations and new beginnings, eat simply, and offer water and food in the names of those who have passed.

For many families, the most meaningful way to keep Pitru Paksha is a pind daan at Gaya Ji, at the Vishnupad Temple and the Falgu River.

Pitru Paksha usually falls in September or October. For 2027 it is expected in the second half of September.

Dates follow the Hindu calendar; we confirm them as the year's panchang is published. The exact first and last days depend on the lunar tithis, and panchangs can differ by a day. We will update this page with the confirmed 2027 dates. When you book, we check your chosen day against the panchang with you.

Which day to choose. Within the fortnight, each day corresponds to a tithi. Many families perform shradh on the tithi on which their loved one passed away. If you don't know the tithi, or want to offer to all your ancestors together, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the last day, is traditionally observed for everyone. The pandit can help you choose.

Gaya is at its busiest of the whole year. Families come from across India, and many follow a longer traditional observance that spans the fortnight.

• The vedis are crowded, especially in the mornings at the Falgu River, the Vishnupad Temple and Akshay Vat. Rites can take longer than on an ordinary day.
• The town hosts a Pitru Paksha Mela, with extra arrangements by the local administration for the crowds, traffic and the ghats.
• Rooms and transport fill early. Trains to Gaya, cabs from Patna and hotels near Vishnupad are in high demand.
• Weather. September can still be warm and humid in Bihar, with some rain. Elders should carry water and rest between vedis.

None of this need make the rite less peaceful. With the day planned in advance, your family can keep its attention on the offering.

1. Decide on the rite. Choose between a 1-day pind daan (Falgu River, Vishnupad Temple and Akshay Vat), a 2-day rite that adds Vaitarani Tirth, or a 3-day rite covering 11 vedis, including Pret Shila for untimely deaths. Some families choose a Tripindi Shradh instead, or as well. See pind daan booking in Gaya for what each covers.
2. Choose your day by tithi, or Sarva Pitru Amavasya if you're not sure.
3. Book the rite and transfers together on the Gaya Ji page. You see the price for your date before paying an advance through Razorpay; the rest is paid before your visit.
4. Arrange your stay early. MandirMay's Gaya bookings cover the rites and transfers; book your room separately, as early as you can.
5. Prepare at home: the names of the departed, their relation to you, your gotra if known, and white or light clothes.

Getting there: Gaya Junction is about 3 km from the Vishnupad area and Gaya Airport about 10 km. MandirMay arranges airport pickups straight to your hotel or the Vishnupad ghat, and cabs from Patna airport or railway station.

For Pitru Paksha in Gaya, MandirMay arranges:

• Pind daan over 1, 2 or 3 days, led by Gayawal pandits, with all samagri included.
• Tripindi Shradh and Pitru Dosh Nivaran puja.
• Transfers: Gaya Airport pickup and drop, Patna to Gaya and back, and Gaya to Deoghar.
• A Bodh Gaya visit by cab, if your family wants to see the Mahabodhi Temple after the rites.
• A MandirMay representative who meets your family and stays with you between the vedis.

If no one in the family can travel, MandirMay also arranges an online pind daan, performed in Kashi by pandits on your family's behalf. It is offered under Kashi's Pitru Paksha rites. To understand the steps of the rite before you go, read the pind daan vidhi guide.