Gaya is one of the pious cities for Hindus. Its religious importance reaches the pinnacle on the the occasion of holy Pitrapaksha. During the auspicious occasion of Pitrapaksha every Hindu is duty bound to worship their ancestors. Hindus, on this occasion, perform Shraddha ritual and do Pinda Daan as it is believed that it brings salvation to the departed soul.

The Pitrapaksha Mela in Gaya is held in the month of September. On this occasion people from various parts of the country come to this place to offer Pinda Daan to their ancestors. The last day of this period, the new moon day holds special significance as it considered really pious for performing various rites. Pitrapaksha is the sacred occasion to repay debt to our ancestors by performing rites.