People flock to ghats for 'Visarjan'

VARANASI: The fortnight-long 'Pitr Paksha' to pray for the peace of the ancestors ended on Friday with the people performing 'Pitr Visarjan' at Pishach Mochan and ghats along the Ganga.
Assi and Dashaswamedh ghats remained crowded with outstation pilgrims and local devotees taking holy dip in the Ganga on the last day of Pitr Paksha. This was followed by the people offering 'daan' to Brahmins and food to animals including cows, dogs and crows for the peace and satisfaction of the departed ancestors.
It is believed that those who are unaware of the date of demise of their ancestors and forefathers can perform 'Pind Daan' on the day of Mahalaya, that is the last day of Pitr Paksha. It is also said that such selfless acts please forefathers and the doers are blessed with peace and prosperity.
The pond of Pishach Mochan was overcrowded with people on Friday. Devotees had started thronging the pond and ghats since morning. Rice balls and til (sesame seeds) were strewn all over the ghat after the rituals.