Smita Thackeray performs Pind Daan at Vishnupad Temple during Pitru Paksha
Synopsis
Smita Thackeray, daughter-in-law of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, performed Pind Daan at Gaya's Vishnupad Temple during Pitru Paksha — and in doing so, invoked the precedent of Goddess Sita to address questions about women performing the ancestral rite, adding a layered cultural dimension to her pilgrimage.
Key Takeaways
Smita Thackeray performed Pind Daan and Shraddha rituals at Vishnupad Temple , Gaya , on 29 September 2026 .
The rituals were conducted for late Balasaheb Thackeray and her father Madhukar Chitre .
She cited the tradition of Goddess Sita performing Pind Daan for King Dasharatha in Gaya as her precedent for performing the rite as a woman.
The visit took place during the ongoing Pitru Paksha fair, which is drawing pilgrims from across India and abroad to Gaya .
Ceremonies included Tarpan , worship, and Shraddha, all conducted under the supervision of Acharyas with Vedic mantra chanting.
Smita Thackeray, daughter-in-law of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, performed Pind Daan and Shraddha rituals at the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Bihar, on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, during the ongoing Pitru Paksha fair. She conducted the ceremonies to honour her late father-in-law, Balasaheb Thackeray, and her father, Madhukar Chitre, in keeping with Hindu ancestral traditions.
The Rituals and Arrival
Smita Thackeray arrived in Bodh Gaya on Monday accompanied by her Acharya (priest). On Tuesday morning, she visited the Vishnupad Temple complex, where priests conducted Tarpan, worship, and Shraddha rituals alongside Vedic mantra chanting. She said she faced no difficulties during her visit and that Acharyas supervised all the ceremonies throughout.
What Smita Thackeray Said
Speaking after completing the rituals, Smita Thackeray described the occasion as deeply emotional. 'Performing my ancestors' Shraddha in Gaya was an emotional and fortunate experience,' she said. She added that Balasaheb Thackeray had played a defining role in shaping her life, and that she had come to pray for the peace of his soul and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings. She expressed her resolve to follow the path he showed, uphold his ideals, and maintain her faith in Sanatan Dharma.
On Women Performing Pind Daan
Smita Thackeray also addressed the widely held belief that women do not traditionally perform Pind Daan. She said she had initially received information to that effect, but subsequently consulted Acharyas, who cited the tradition that Goddess Sita had performed Pind Daan for King Dasharatha in Gaya. Drawing on this guidance, she proceeded to perform the rituals for her ancestors — a decision that drew attention during this year's Pitru Paksha observance.
Pitru Paksha at Gaya
Gaya is witnessing a large influx of devotees this year during the Pitru Paksha fair, with pilgrims arriving from across India and abroad. Devotees are visiting the Falgu River, the Vishnupad Temple, and various Pind altars to perform Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Shraddha. According to Hindu belief, performing these rituals in Gaya is associated with attaining peace and salvation for departed ancestors. Smita Thackeray's visit stood out as one of the notable religious events of this year's observance, drawing both spiritual and cultural significance.
Point of View
Such visible acts of dharmic fidelity serve a dual function — personal tribute and symbolic continuity.
NationPress
29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Smita Thackeray visit Gaya during Pitru Paksha?
Smita Thackeray visited Gaya to perform Pind Daan and Shraddha rituals at the Vishnupad Temple for her late father-in-law Balasaheb Thackeray and her father Madhukar Chitre. She described the experience as emotionally significant and said she had come to pray for the peace of their souls.
Can women perform Pind Daan? What did Smita Thackeray say?
While it is a widely held belief that women do not traditionally perform Pind Daan, Smita Thackeray said she consulted Acharyas who cited the precedent of Goddess Sita performing Pind Daan for King Dasharatha in Gaya. Drawing on this guidance, she went ahead with the rituals.
What is Pitru Paksha and why is Gaya significant?
Pitru Paksha is a Hindu period of ancestor veneration observed over a fortnight, during which devotees perform Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Shraddha rituals for departed souls. Gaya, with its Vishnupad Temple and the Falgu River, is considered one of the most sacred sites for these rites, as Hindu belief holds that performing them here helps departed souls attain peace and salvation.
Who is Smita Thackeray?
Smita Thackeray is the daughter-in-law of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. She is a public figure associated with the Thackeray political family in Maharashtra.
What rituals were performed at the Vishnupad Temple?
The ceremonies at the Vishnupad Temple included Tarpan, worship, Shraddha rituals, and Vedic mantra chanting, all conducted under the supervision of Acharyas accompanying Smita Thackeray.
