Best Time to Visit Gaya

Gaya is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage and a place for obligatory death rituals performed for bringing release to one’s forefathers. The pilgrims reach Gaya in large numbers throughout the year, especially during Pitrapaksh to perform ‘shraddha’ (श्राद्ध) & offer ‘pind daan’ (पिंडदान). For the tourists, the best time to visit Gaya is winter season. Gaya garners immense religious significance in Hindu scriptures, society and traditions. The religious town is known for the funerary rituals prescribed for every Hindu. Gaya is the preeminent site for rituals ensuring eternal peace for one's ancestors. The plain of Gaya is home to confluence of Ganga, Gandak, Son, Punpun & Phalgu; and five hills. Vishnupad Temple, enshrining Vishnu's footprint on a rocky spur, is located on the left bank of Phalgu. An Akshayavat is also present in Gaya. The antiquity of Gaya can be traced back to the times of Vedas. Gaya finds mention in the hymns of Rigveda. The epic Mahabharata refers to Savitra-pada (सविता means ‘Sun’) on Udyanta hill at Gaya.