Govt online pind daan scheme sparks opposition in Gaya, minister assures to review

Gaya: A recent initiative by the state tourism department to introduce an online Pind Daan service has sparked strong opposition from traditional stakeholders in Gaya, including the Gayawal Pandas and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The scheme, aimed at facilitating remote participation in the sacred Pitrapaksh rituals, has been criticized for undermining religious traditions.

Under the new scheme, people unable to visit Gaya in person can opt for rituals of the Pind Daan by paying a one-time fee of Rs 23,000. Local priests would perform the rites on behalf of the absentee devotees, and a video recording of the ceremony would be provided via a pen drive. The department has also launched an online portal for booking these services ahead of Pitrapaksh, which begins on Sept 6.

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism. Gaya Town MLA and cooperative minister Prem Kumar acknowledged the concerns raised by the Pandas and assured that their sentiments would be respected. He said that the matter would be reviewed at the appropriate level.

VHP district president Mani Lal Barik condemned the concept, citing religious texts such as the Garuda Purana, which stipulate that only a son or male descendant can perform Pind Daan in person. "The rituals must be conducted at sacred altars like Vishnupad, Falgu, and Akshay Vat. Performing them remotely contradicts the scriptures," Barik said, adding that he has formally registered his opposition.

Echoing similar sentiments, Mahesh Lal Guput, a respected Panda with religious clients across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Nepal, questioned the authenticity of online rituals. "During Pind Daan, the performer chants ‘asmat pita' (my father). Can a proxy truly say that?" he asked, arguing that the practice compromises the essence of Sanatan Dharma. Guput urged the state govt to withdraw the scheme, emphasizing that those who understand and respect Hindu traditions would reject such offerings.

Shambhu Lal Bitthal, president of the Vishnupad Prabandhkarini Samiti, accused the tourism department of commercialising a deeply spiritual event. "The govt claims it has no business in business, yet here it is monetizing religion," he said.

Bitthal also pointed out that only Gayawal Pandas are authorised to perform Pind Daan, whereas the scheme vaguely refers to ‘Purohits', a term that includes non-Panda brahmins.

As the debate intensifies, the future of the online Pindadan scheme remains uncertain, with religious leaders and devotees calling for its reconsideration in light of traditional values and scriptural mandates.