Puja FAQs

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 doesthe 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?

Pujo registration does not cover bhog. Please refer to the bhog FAQ below

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?

Yes. You can reserve your bhog for any day(s). Please read the bhog FAQ below.

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 mobile) 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 a hardcopy) or a paper receipt (if you show it on your mobile). Place the receipt with your Puja offering and hand it over to the volunteers on the Puja 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 register, 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?

For the persons who have registered for Pujo, Sindur daan is included in the registration package. For others, there is a nominal charge for sindur daan. You will pay cash at the registration desk onsite on the day of the ceremony.

Q What is the process of sindur daan?

Only women can participate in sindur daan. Each person performing sindur daan needs to have a coupon even if they are from the same family.  

If you have registered for Pujo, bring you receipt for Dashami to the registration desk and pick up your coupon(s). Each coupon will have a number. We will let people perform sindur daan in the serial order of the number in the coupon. Note that you can pick up your coupon any day, you do not have to wait till Dashami. So the earlier you pick up your coupon, the earlier you can perform sindur daan.

Note that there is usually a long line of devotees to offer sindur. Please plan to come early if you plan to purchase coupon onsite on the day.

Bhog FAQs

Q. How early can I buy the bhog coupon?

The earlier the better. Why wait, buy it today! But if you are not sure yet, remember that we will close the online purchase for a specific day 48 hours prior. So, for example, to purchase bhog coupon for 9/11, you have until 9/9 midnight.

Q. I forgot to purchase the bhog coupon, can I still get bhog?

Yes, we will have a limited number of bhog available for on-site purchase. However, note that:

• The price will be higher if bought on-site

• There is no guarantee that it will be available

• You will likely have to pay cash (credit card option may not be available)

• The coupons directly “bought” from the registration desk will be for future days, not the same day

Q. I have purchased my bhog coupons. What next?

You will have received a PDF for your purchase in your inbox (please contact us contact@pashchimi.org if you have not, but check your spam first). Bring this PDF to our registration desk and exchange it for bhog coupon.

On the day of the bhog, go to our bhog counter (NOT the registration desk) to the pre-purchase line (NOT the cash purchase line) to pick up your bhog.

Remember that your bhog will be available till 2:30 PM. Beyond that, we may give it for cash purchase (as we cannot store it in the open any longer) and we may not refund your coupon. So please arrive early.

Q. I have lost my coupon. What can I do?

The coupon is like cash. Unfortunately we cannot help you if you have lost it.

Q. I bought a coupon for a specific day, can I exchange it for another day?

Unfortunately not. Once you buy a coupon, we will order your bhog and you cannot exchange it for another day.

Q I cannot come to receive the bhog. Can you refund my coupon?

Once purchased, coupons are non-refundable.