Gaya, Sept 28(ANI): Devout Hindus have begun to gather at temples and on river banks in India to observe 'Pitru Paksha' the annual fortnight-long ritual of paying homage known as 'Pind Daan' (offering food) to souls of departed ancestors and pray for their salvation. Scores of families from far and near arrived at the pilgrim centre of Gaya in eastern state of Bihar on Tuesday to offer this ritual `Pind Daan'. Guided by priests they performed the religious rituals on the banks of River Ganga and other temples located in the city. 'Pitru Paksha' as per the Hindu lunar almanac known as Panchanga usually falls in the month of September or October. Certain devotees even get their heads tonsured on the occasion as mark of their respect for the departed souls. The food is usually cooked in silver or copper vessels and placed on banana leaves. Devotees believe that once the ritual is performed, the souls of their ancestors shall be relieved of all the painful sins and they would be freed from the cycle of rebirths. The offerings are also believed to cure diseases as well as infertility among childless couples apart from driving away evil souls. According to Hindu faith, it is believed that when humans die, their mortal body turns to dust whereas the soul remains, until it does not find
