If someone absolutely cannot come can Shraddh in Gaya truly be done effectively by someone else on their behalf?

Ideally, the Karta’s personal presence, touch, and sankalpa during Shraddh in Gaya are irreplaceable. The physical journey and effort are part of the devotion. However, Lord Vishnu understands limitations. If someone is genuinely incapacitated (e.g., bedridden, critically ill abroad), they can authorize a close relative (like a brother, son, or nephew) who is traveling to Gaya to perform the Shraddh on their behalf, along with their own family rites. Alternatively, in very rare and unavoidable cases, one might entrust a highly reliable Gayawal Panda to perform the Shraddh in Gaya by proxy, sending the details and dakshina. While possible, this is less ideal than personal presence or sending a close relative to perform Shraddh in Gaya.