10 foreigners perform ‘pind daan’ in Bihar's Gaya

GAYA: Altogether 10 pilgrims from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Africa performed 'pind daan' for peace to the departed souls of their ancestors on Monday morning. Julia of Ukraine was one of them, who performed the rituals fourth time on Monday. The devotees had also prayed on Sunday for the end of war between Russia and Ukraine.

They performed the rituals at Deo Ghat on the bank of Falgu river, Vishnupad temple and at Akshaywat. Following the Sanatan tradition, female pilgrims wore saree, while men were clad in dhoti. After pind daan, all these devotees offered puja of the footprint of Lord Vishnu in the sanctum sanctorum.

Their priest Loknath Gaud, who guided them to perform the 'karmkand' said, "These devotees are Christian by birth, but they have faith in Sanatan Dharma, and are living at Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh for many years.” Gaud as a preacher is associated with Hindu Jagaran Samiti working in Ukraine.

"Many people in Russia, Ukraine, Africa and other countries have been influenced by the positive effects of Sanatan Dahrama, and they have come to Gaya to perform 'pind daan'. After performing the rituals, they have felt positive changes in their lives,” he said.

SSP Ashish Bharti said, “Security arrangements were made for these pilgrims at Deo ghat and the Vishnupad temple. They were escorted upto the sanctum sanctorum of the Vishnupad temple.”

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