In Bihar, the world-famous Pitra Paksha Mela will begin today in Gaya city. The main inaugural function has been organized at Vishnupad Temple. The fortnight event occupies significance in Hindu religion as lakhs of people from across the country and abroad reach here to offer prayers for their departed soul on the banks of Falgu River.

Pitra Paksha is dedicated to the departed souls and is meant for pleasing them, asking for forgiveness, and ridding oneself of the Pitra Dosha. During this period rituals like Shraddh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan are performed to please the departed soul from the cycle of birth, life, and death. These rituals are performed at the Falgu river and after that special prayer is offered at Vishnupad Temple, Gaya on special Vedis. Several Vedis have been set up for rituals.
 
The Gaya district administration has set up a tent city near VishnuPad temple for devotees. The East Central Railway has arranged stoppage of severa trains at Gaya junction. For the convenience of devotees two Pitra Paksha special trains have also been started from Rani Kamlapati Station and Jabalpur station for Gaya.