To perform the sacred duty of Pind Daan is to honour the very roots from which you have grown. For families in Singapore, especially those with Tamil and South Indian heritage, this journey back to the holy lands of Bharat is a pilgrimage of immense significance. It is a timeless act that offers peace (shanti) and liberation (moksha) to the departed souls of our ancestors.
This guide is crafted to help you plan your spiritual journey, combining the ancient wisdom of our scriptures with a practical 4-night itinerary and travel details for a successful Pind daan from Singapore.
Why this Pilgrimage is a Profound Duty
The Puranas teach us that the rites of Shradh and Pind Daan are among the highest duties of a householder. When the Pitrus (ancestors) are satisfied, they bestow blessings of longevity, progeny, wealth, and happiness upon their descendants. While these rituals are universal for all followers of Dharma, the merits gained by performing them at the holy triumvirate of Gaya, Prayagraj, and Varanasi are immeasurable.
Pind daan at Gaya
Gaya is revered as the foremost of all Teerthas for ancestral rites. The Vayu Purana states it is the most sacred centre to repay the debt to our ancestors.
- Supreme Merit: The Agni and Garuda Puranas teach that every step taken towards Gaya helps one’s ancestors ascend to heaven. Offering Pindas (rice balls) at Gayashiras liberates the entire family.
- Redemption for All Souls: A Shradh performed in Gaya grants salvation even to those who died unnaturally—by accident, by animal attack, or without proper rites. It removes the five great sins.
- Key Ritual Sites: Offering Pindas at Pretashila, visiting the Vishnupad Temple (where Lord Vishnu presides in the form of the Manes), and performing rites at the Akshayavat (the immortal banyan tree) conveys the ancestors to Brahmaloka, the abode of the creator.
Cost of Pind Daan in Gaya in SGD
Gaya is considered the most sacred place for Pind Daan, where Lord Vishnu himself blessed the land. The rituals here are often elaborate.
Standard Ritual: This covers the essential rites at the primary sites.
- Cost: ₹7,100 (for 1-day Pind Daan at Phalgu River) to ₹31,000 (for 3-days Pind Daan at multiple vedis in Gaya).
- Estimated Cost in SGD: Approximately 104 SGD to 454 SGD
What it includes: A dedicated Pandit, all pooja materials, and complete rites at the Falgu River, Vishnupad Temple, and Akshayavat (as per the package).
Pind daan at Prayagraj (Allahabad)
Prayagraj, where the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati meet, is known as Teertha Raj—the King of all Holy Places.
- Dispelling Sins: The Garuda Purana explains that a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam dispels all sins.
- Fulfilling Desires: Oblations and offerings made at Prayagraj with faith are said to fulfill all the desires of the ancestors and the devotee. During the holy month of Magha, it is said all other Teerthas come to Prayag to cleanse themselves.
Cost of Pind Daan in Prayagraj (Allahabad) in SGD
Performing Shradh at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers holds immense significance.
Standard Ritual: This includes the rites at the Sangam.
- Cost: ₹7,100 (for Pind Daan & Boat) to ₹11,000 (for Pind Daan, Shradh, Gau Daan & Boat).
- Estimated Cost in SGD: Approximately 104 SGD to 161 SGD
What it includes: A dedicated Pandit, all pooja materials for the ritual, complete rites and a dedicated boat to the Sangam for the whole ceremony.
Pind daan at Varanasi (Kashi)
Kashi is the city of Lord Shiva, known as the Avimukta Kshetra, a place that grants instant liberation. The Skanda Purana details its immense power for ancestral rites.
- Liberation through Shradh: A Shradh performed by a householder in Kashi leads directly to moksha.
- Merit Equalling Gaya: Performing Shradh and libations at sacred spots within Kashi like Pādodaka Teertha and Kapalamocana Teertha provides the same satisfaction to the Pitrus as a rite performed at Gaya.
- Eternal Benefit: The forefathers in the realm of Yama are said to eagerly await a descendant to perform Shradh for them at Panchaganga Ghat in Kashi.
For families planning a Pind Daan from Singapore, understanding this profound spiritual significance is the foundation of the journey.
Cost of Pind Daan in Varanasi (Kashi) in SGD
Kashi, the city of Lord Shiva, is a powerful place to perform ancestral rites, liberating the souls.
Standard Ritual: Performed at one of the sacred ghats of the Ganga.
- Cost: ₹7,100 (for Pind Daan).
- Estimated Cost in SGD: Approximately 104 SGD.
What it includes: A knowledgeable Pandit, all ritual items, complete rites at the ghat and arrangements at the ghat.
Our 4-Night/5-Day Itinerary covering Varanasi, Gaya & Prayagraj
This itinerary is designed to be efficient and spiritually comprehensive, covering all three holy cities in five days. It is an ideal plan for those undertaking Pind Daan from Singapore with limited time.
The Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi & Transfer to Prayagraj
- Upon your arrival at Varanasi Airport (VNS), you will be met by your private cab.
- You will proceed directly to Prayagraj (a journey of about 3 hours).
- Check into your hotel and rest for the night, preparing for the sacred rituals ahead.
- Meals: Dinner.
- Stay: 3 Star hotel at Prayagraj.
Note: Your Arrival city can be changed as per your plan
Day 2: Prayagraj Rituals & Travel to Varanasi
- In the morning, proceed to the holy Triveni Sangam for a sacred bath and to perform the Teerth Shradh rituals.
- After the rituals, visit the Bade Hanuman Ji Temple.
- Following these duties, you will depart for Varanasi.
- In the evening, witness the divine Ganga Aarti from the ghats. You may also visit the Kaal Bhairav Temple.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
- Stay: 3 Star hotel at Varanasi.
Day 3: Varanasi Rituals and Sightseeing
- Today is dedicated to performing Teerth Shradh in the holy city of Kashi.
- After the morning rituals at the ghats, you will visit the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Annapurna Devi Temple.
- Later, take an excursion to Sarnath, the historic site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
- Stay: 3 Star hotel at Varanasi.
Day 4: Varanasi to Gaya
- After an early breakfast, you will travel by private cab from Varanasi to Gaya (a journey of about 5-6 hours).
- Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Bodhgaya and rest for the remainder of the day.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
- Stay: 3 Star hotel at Bodhgaya.
Day 5: Gaya Rituals & Departure
- This is the final and most important day of the pilgrimage. You will perform the main Pind Daan rituals in Gaya.
- Visit the sacred Vishnupad Temple and perform ceremonies on the banks of the Falgu River.
- After completing all rituals, you will be transferred back to Varanasi Airport (VNS) or Gaya Airport (GAY) for your journey home, carrying the blessings of your ancestors.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Highlights of this 4-Night/5-Day Itinerary
This pilgrimage is filled with moments of profound spiritual connection. Here are the highlights you will experience:
- Performing the sacred Teerth Shradh rituals in all three holy cities.
- A holy dip and rituals at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.
- Witnessing the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti in Varanasi.
- Seeking blessings with Darshan at the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Exploring the historic and peaceful grounds of Sarnath.
- Performing the central Pind Daan rites at Gaya’s Vishnupad Temple and Falgu River.
- Receiving blessings at Bade Hanuman ji Temple in Prayagraj and Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi.
Package Inclusions
To ensure your journey is peaceful and focused on the sacred rites, the following are included:
- Accommodation: A clean and comfortable 3 Star hotel stay for all four nights as per the itinerary.
- Meals: Daily Breakfast and Dinner to keep you nourished throughout your yatra.
- Transportation: A comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle dedicated to you for all airport transfers, inter-city travel (Varanasi-Prayagraj-Gaya), and local sightseeing.
- Rituals & Guidance: All charges for the assigned priest (Pandit) and the necessary Poojan Samagri (ritual materials) for the Shradh ceremonies in all three cities are included.
- Activities: A boat ride at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for the rituals is included.
- Taxes: All applicable government taxes (GST).
Package Exclusions
The following are not included and should be planned for separately:
- Travel to India: Your airfare from Singapore to Varanasi/Gaya and back.
- Meals: Lunches are not included, giving you the flexibility to dine as you please during the day’s activities.
- Optional Activities: The cost for a boat ride to view the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi is not included, as this is an optional experience.
- Personal Offerings (Dakshina): Any personal offerings or dakshina you wish to give to priests, guides, or drivers out of your own heartfelt gratitude.
- Personal Expenses: Any expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, shopping, or additional temple visits not in the itinerary.
- Travel Insurance: We highly recommend you secure your own travel and medical insurance for the journey.
Planning Your Travel: Flights from Singapore
Careful flight planning is essential for a smooth journey for Pind daan from Singapore. There are no direct flights to these pilgrimage cities, so all routes will involve at least one stopover.
Flights from Singapore (SIN) to Varanasi (VNS)
Varanasi is the most common arrival point for this pilgrimage. Here are complete details to find the pricing, flight options and booking options.
Route Details | Airlines | Duration & Price | Booking Links |
---|---|---|---|
Singapore → Delhi → Varanasi | IndiGo, Air India | 10–12 hrs SGD 251–387 |
MakeMyTrip • Skyscanner • iXigo • EaseMyTrip • Air India • Trip.com |
Singapore → Mumbai → Varanasi | IndiGo, Air India | 12–14 hrs SGD 280–420 |
MakeMyTrip • Skyscanner • iXigo • EaseMyTrip • Air India • Trip.com |
Singapore → Chennai → Varanasi | IndiGo, Malaysia Airways | 9–11 hrs SGD 260–400 |
MakeMyTrip • Skyscanner • iXigo • EaseMyTrip • Air India • Trip.com |
Singapore → Bengaluru → Varanasi | IndiGo, Singapore Airlines | 8–10 hrs SGD 251–387 |
MakeMyTrip • Skyscanner • iXigo • EaseMyTrip • Air India • Trip.com |
Flights from Singapore (SIN) to Prayagraj (IXD)
Route Details | Airlines | Duration & Price | Booking Links |
---|---|---|---|
Singapore → Delhi → Prayagraj | IndiGo, Air India | 12–14 hrs SGD 242–387 |
MakeMyTrip • Skyscanner • Goibibo • Trip.com • Expedia |
Singapore → Kolkata → Prayagraj | IndiGo, Air India | 10–13 hrs SGD 250–380 |
MakeMyTrip • Skyscanner • Goibibo • Trip.com • Expedia |
Singapore → Mumbai → Prayagraj | IndiGo, Scoot | 13–15 hrs SGD 270–450 |
MakeMyTrip • Skyscanner • Goibibo • Trip.com • Expedia |
Flights from Singapore (SIN) to Gaya (GAY)
Route Details | Airlines | Duration & Price | Booking Links |
---|---|---|---|
Singapore → Kolkata → Gaya | IndiGo, Air India | 8–12 hrs SGD 300–500 |
MakeMyTrip • Skyscanner • Goibibo • EaseMyTrip • Google Flights |
Singapore → Delhi → Gaya | IndiGo, Lufthansa | 11–14 hrs SGD 320–550 |
MakeMyTrip • Skyscanner • Goibibo • EaseMyTrip • Google Flights |
Singapore → Chennai → Gaya | IndiGo, Air India | 10–13 hrs SGD 290–480 |
MakeMyTrip • Skyscanner • Goibibo • EaseMyTrip • Google Flights |
Important Travel Notes
- Book in Advance: To get the best fares, it is wise to book your flights 2-3 months before your travel date.
- Peak Season: Prices are higher during the peak pilgrimage season from October to March, especially during Pitru Paksha.
- Layovers: All routes require a stopover, typically in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, or Bengaluru.
May your pilgrimage for Pind daan from Singapore be free of obstacles and filled with divine grace, bringing eternal peace to your ancestors and abundant blessings to you and your family. Hari Om.