As Pitru Paksha approaches in Sangam city, Prayagraj, preparations for Tarpan and Pindana ceremonies for ancestors have intensified. People are arriving in Prayagraj not only from their home country but also from abroad, striving to ensure the peace and liberation of their ancestors' souls. It is expected that there will be a large gathering of pilgrims in the Sangam area during Pitru Paksha. Special attention is being paid to the fact that an option for conducting Pindana online has already been organized for those who cannot reach Prayagraj for any reason.
Pitru Paksha will last from September 26th to October 10th. During this period, people arrive in Prayagraj to perform Tarpan and Pindana in memory of their ancestors. For believers, this time is an important opportunity to express reverence and religious faith towards their forefathers. According to the Tirth Purichas, people from different parts of the country and the world come to Prayagraj to help their ancestors attain liberation and soul tranquility. After performing Pindana and Tarpan in Sangam, pilgrims continue their religious journey.
Pradeep Pandey, a Tirth Puricha from Prayagraj, notes that according to religious beliefs, Prayagraj, Kashi, and Gaya hold special significance in the tradition of Pindana. The process usually begins in Prayagraj, then passes through Kashi, concluding in Gaya. This is why the flow of pilgrims from various regions of the country begins in Prayagraj during Pitru Paksha. In the Sangam area, pilgrims perform religious rites daily in memory of their ancestors, starting in the morning. As Pitru Paksha progresses, the number of people in the Sangam area will increase.
Pradeep Pandey also reports that this time, people residing abroad are participating in the religious traditions of Prayagraj. According to information, one pilgrim from America will perform Pindana in Prayagraj on September 28th using the online system. The online Pindana system was launched two or three years ago and is popular among those who cannot visit Prayagraj for various reasons, whether it be travel issues, lack of time, or other difficulties. This system allows residents abroad to fulfill their religious duties towards their ancestors. The Pindana scheduled from America on September 28th is an example of this system. Pradeep Pandey emphasizes that the convenience of online Pindana can be utilized not only by residents abroad but also by people living in villages and rural areas who cannot come to Prayagraj for various reasons. Many families face travel-related difficulties, and the online system becomes a way for them to perform Pindana in memory of their ancestors.
The Tirth Purichas assert that the faith of the people and their reverence for ancestors remain as strong despite changing circumstances, and people wish to perform religious rituals in some manner.
Pradeep Pandey, a Tirth Puricha from Prayagraj, points out another feature of Pitru Paksha: youth are showing interest in Hindu traditions and ancestor-related rituals. People are utilizing available opportunities to ensure the liberation of their ancestors. Those who can reach Sangam perform Pindana and Tarpan in person, while those who cannot connect through the online system. In the opinion of the Tirth Purichas, it is important that in the modern era, the youth are stepping forward to observe traditions related to family and ancestors.
According to Pradeep Pandey, the appearance of pilgrims in the Sangam area during Pitru Paksha is distinct. Many pilgrims coming for Pindana and Tarpan in memory of their ancestors wear yellow clothing. Just as saffron color has its own special religious identity, the tradition of wearing yellow clothes during Pitru Paksha is observed among pilgrims. There will be many people in yellow attire in the Sangam area during this period. The Tirth Purichas indicate that pilgrims observing this tradition pay attention to the prescribed attire during Pindana. This is why the look of the Sangam area during Pitru Paksha looks significantly different from ordinary days.
With the start of Pitru Paksha, the flow of pilgrims to Prayagraj is increasing. People have started arriving gradually. It is anticipated that after September 26th, the number of pilgrims in the Sangam area will significantly increase. Families whose hearts are full of respect for their ancestors will arrive in Prayagraj from different parts of the country. Some will perform Pindana for their parents, while others will perform Tarpan for the peace of their ancestors' souls. Rituals in memory of ancestors will be performed on the land of Sangam.