Patna, Sep 29 — A notable religious ceremony took place in Gaya on Tuesday during the ongoing Pitru Paksha fair, as Smita Thackeray, daughter-in-law of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, performed Pind Daan and Shraddha rituals at the Vishnupad Temple for her ancestors.
Smita Thackeray performed the rituals for her father-in-law, Balasaheb Thackeray, and her father, Madhukar Chitre, in accordance with religious traditions. After completing the ceremonies, she described her visit to Gaya as a privilege, saying she felt fortunate to pay homage to her ancestors at the sacred site.
She arrived in Bodh Gaya on Monday accompanied by her Acharya (priest). On Tuesday morning, she visited the Vishnupad Temple complex, where priests conducted the rituals. The ceremony included Tarpan, worship, and Shraddha rituals, accompanied by Vedic mantra chanting.
Speaking after the rituals, Smita Thackeray said performing her ancestors' Shraddha in Gaya was an emotional and fortunate experience. She noted that Balasaheb Thackeray had played an important role in shaping her life and said she had come to pray for the peace of his soul and seek forgiveness for any mistakes. She added that she would strive to follow the path he showed, uphold his ideals, and maintain her faith in Sanatan Dharma.
She also addressed the belief that women do not traditionally perform Pind Daan. She said she initially received information to that effect but later consulted Acharyas, who narrated the tradition that Goddess Sita had performed Pind Daan for King Dasharatha in Gaya. Following this guidance, she performed the rituals for her ancestors.
Smita Thackeray said she faced no difficulties during her visit and that Acharyas supervised all ceremonies.
Gaya is witnessing a large influx of devotees during the Pitru Paksha fair, with pilgrims arriving from across India and abroad to perform rituals for their ancestors. Devotees are visiting the Falgu River, Vishnupad Temple and various Pind altars to perform Tarpan, Pind Daan and Shraddha.
According to Hindu belief, performing these rituals in Gaya is associated with attaining peace and salvation for departed ancestors.
Smita Thackeray’s visit to the Vishnupad Temple and her performance of ancestral rituals became one of the notable religious events during this year’s Pitru Paksha observance.