FAQ

Q. I am not a member, can I come to the Pujo? Do I need to register for Pujo?

You can certainly come to the Pujo. Our Pujo is open to all. Our pushpanjali is free. Pujo registration is only required if you want to offer your own/ your family's pujo.

Q. What does the registration cover?

Pujo registration (Puja Package) covers four days of Pujo for you and your family. It also covers Sandhi Pujo (if you have selected it) and Kumari Pujo (if you have selected it).

Q. I only want to offer Pujo for one day. What is my choice?

Your Pujo registration allows you to offer Pujo for four days. If you want to only attend one day, that is up to you. Please bring the receipt relevant for that day when you come.

Q. What about bhog? Is it covered in the Pujo registration?

The Pujo registration does not cover bhog. We serve bhog on-site on a first-come, first-served basis. You pay with cash or pay by card at the bhog counter.

Note: "bhog" is not "prasad". Prasad is served to anyone who has offered pushpanjali and is free. Bhog is a sacred "meal" and is blessed with (mixed with) the bhog we offer to Ma Durga.

Q. Can I pre-pay for bhog?

Unfortunately no. We only take money when we serve the bhog.

Q. Do I need to pay for parking?

Parking is plentiful and free. However, during daytime it can get quite crowded.

Q. How do I offer Pujo for all my family members?

When you register, please add your family members name and gotra. Our pujari will offer sankalpa for all of you.

Q. I have registered for Pujo. What is next?

You will have received a PDF with Pujo receipts for all four days (we do not offer Pujo on sashthi). Please bring the receipt specific to a day (hardcopy or on your device) and show it at our registration booth. Also bring your Puja offerings. Our registration volunteers will validate the receipt and either give you a stamp (if you have hardcopy) or a paper receipt (if you show it on your mobile). Place the receipt on your Puja offering and hand it over to the volunteers on the stage.

Once we finish your sankalpa, your Puja offering will be returned back with the receipt. Please do not forget to pick it up. It is disrespectful to leave it behind.

Q. I just want to offer a "bastra" or some flowers to Maa. Do I need to register?

We would prefer that you register. Then we can offer it to Maa as your Pujo offering. However, if you do not, you can leave your offering at the registration desk. We will offer it to Maa.

Q. Can I perform sindur daan on Dashami? Is there a charge?

Sundur daan is free if you have registered for Pujo. Please bring any of your registration slips (for any day) at the registration desk. They will give you a band to enter. If you have not registered for Pujo, there is a nominal charge ($10). You will pay with credit/debit card or cash at the registration desk onsite on the day of the ceremony.

Only women can participate in sindur daan. Each person performing sindur daan needs to pay separately even if they are from the same family. Note that there is usually a long queue for devotees to offer sindur. Please plan to come early. 

Q. Can I donate to Pashchimi?

Absolutely. Pashchimi very much depends on donors like you. Please use our "donate" button or send us your donation thru Paypal or Zelle (contact@pashchimi.org)

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