Allahabad, Sep.12 (ANI): Hindu devotees performed 'Pind Daan' (ancestors' salvation ritual) on banks of rivers in Allahabad and Gaya on Monday during the Pitr-paksha (16-lunar day period as per Hindu calendar).
Pitr-paksha generally falls in the month of September every year.
According to traditional beliefs, the eldest son of a family performs Pind Daan and pays homage to his ancestors (Pitrs), especially through food offerings.
People take a holy dip in rivers and get their heads tonsured as a part of the ritual for the departed souls. The food is usually cooked in silver or copper vessels and placed on banana leaves.
"We perform 'Pind Daan' in this pious land of Prayag (Allahabad). We make 17 'pindas' (cakes) of flour and add oil, barley and other commodities to it. Then, according to our means, we make donations to the priest," said Kamal Pandey, a Hindu devotee, said in eastern Allahabad city.
They believe that once the ritual is performed, the souls of their ancestors shall be relieved of all the sins and they would be freed from the cycle of birth and death.
"After performing 'Pind Daan', they (ancestors) will receive salvation. They will be relieved from worldly sins and would leave for heaven," added Shyam Sharma, another devotee.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that when humans die, their mortal body turns to dust. However, the soul remains, until it does not find another mortal body to reside. The cycle of rebirth can cease and the soul can receive salvation, if these sacred rituals are performed. (ANI)
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