How can I trace my ancestors through the Gaya bahis (ancestral records)?

To trace your ancestors through Gaya bahis, you need: (1) Your family surname and native village name, (2) Your gotra, (3) Names of grandfather and great-grandfather if known, (4) Approximate years of past pilgrimages by any relatives. On arrival at Gaya, present this information to the Pragwal Office or directly to a Gayawal Panda who serves your region. They will search the bahis — handwritten ledgers tracking pilgrimages by family — and can often show you records going back 200-300 years or more, including the names of ancestors, dates of their Pind Daan ceremonies, and family connections. Our Gaya Pind Daan service includes bahi tracing assistance with our network of verified Gayawal Pandas.