We have received an overwhelming amount of inquiry about our Puja this year. We are thrilled with the interest everyone has shown, and we acknowledge that it took us a little longer to announce our plans for this year, primarily because we were evaluating multiple options to balance the safety and health of our visitors, volunteers and vendors and also not compromise with the structure and core principles of the Puja.

How will Puja be organized this year?
It will be a 5 day Puja, like every year, exactly on the days specified in the Panjika.

Dates: Oct 10 (Sashthi) – Oct 14 (Dashami)

Venue: Banquet Hall, Oasis Place Restaurant, 35145 Newark Blvd, Newark, CA 94560

(See Nirghanta below.)

Is there an entry fee?

Like all previous years, there is no entry fee to come to the Pujo. However, a Pujo registration is required to offer Pujo and Anjali (please read below).

Will there be food stalls?

we will have food stalls available from Sunday.

How do I register for Puja?

Our registration is currently closed. Please note that donating to Pashchimi is not a Puja registration. If you have not registered yet, you can still attend the event, visit our vendor stalls and enjoy our bhog.

Individuals who have registered, will be required to provide a proof of vaccination of the attendees for their family (for everyone 12 and older), provide a photo ID and go through a temperature check before entry. Enclosure capacity will dictate the number of individuals who can be inside the Puja area at a given time.

Can I donate to Pashchimi?

Yes, you can. When you come to the Puja, please bring your donation check or cash to the registration desk. Please note we will not accept a credit card. We have disabled the online donation feature for now. We are very thankful for your donation. (Please note that donation does not entitle you to offer Anjali or offer Pujo.)

Can I offer Pushpanjali / watch Pujo without registration?

We have considered multiple options to allow people to offer Anjali, like previous years. However, there is no practical way to allow everyone offer Pushpanjali without violating CDC guidelines or significantly increasing logistical overheads. Hence, we have taken a decision this year to allow only registered visitors offer Pushpanjali.

We have segregated the Pujo and Pushpanjali area from the area where the vendors and food booths are located. You will require a Puja registration to enter the Puja area for offering Anjali, but entry to the vendor stalls is free. 

If you are not registered, you will not be able to offer Anjali, but you will still be able to see the Puja from a distance. 

Can I do darshan without registration?

Yes, you can do darshan from a distance without registration.

Can I bring my own flowers and offerings?

Please do not bring your own flowers or naibidya. Due to COVID restrictions we cannot accept any outside offering.

I don't see any bhog or aarati on Dashami?
We do not serve bhog or perform Aarati on Dashami as we have Biswarjan in the afternoon.

What about sindur daan on Dashami?
We will have sindur daan on Thursday. The ceremony will be in two phases.

Our registered members will perform sindur daan from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (approx). We request all registered members to be present and checked in at the registration booth by 6:30 pm. When you check-in at the registration booth, you will be given a hand band to enter the registered member area as well as a coupon. Your coupon will have a serial number. We will call you by the number. Please occupy a seat in the registered member area till your number is called. We request only those ladies who want to perform the ceremony to come up when your number is called. Once you are done with the ceremony, we request you to please vacate the area, to reduce congregation.

The non-registered members are also requested to please check-in at the registration booth. You will be given a coupon with a number. Please proceed to the non-registered area and wait till the registered members are finished and we clear the area. We will then invite the non-registered members to enter the registered member zone. Please come in and take a seat. We will call out your numbers in sequence to invite you to perform sindur daan. We request only those ladies who want to perform the ceremony to come up when your number is called. Once you are done with the ceremony, we request you to please vacate the area, to reduce congregation.

We know how important it is for you to perform the sindur daan ceremony and we will make every attempt to make it easy, safe and an enjoyable experience for you. Please help us make it such for you and others who are eager to complete the ceremony. Our attempt will be to finish the ceremony by 10:30 pm as Friday is a work and school day, and we would like everyone to get a chance to participate.

Are there any other restrictions?
Social distancing and masking will be required all around the Puja venue. Temperature checks and vaccination proof may be requested to enter the Pujo area. All vendors will be informed of, and expected to be in compliance with, health safety guidelines at all times. They are required to ensure visitors in and around their booths follow these guidelines as well. However, Pashchimi will not monitor if they are following these guidelines. We ask that you decide whatever you consider to be safe for you and family if you decide to visit them.
 
Will you have bhog this year? How do I pay? Do I have to buy coupons?
Yes, we will serve bhog on Saptami, Ashtami and Nabami. We do not have a coupon system. You pay cash at the Puja to get the bhog. We serve bhog as first come, first served basis.

Do I have to buy bhog if I am registered for Puja?
Your Puja registration entitles you to see the puja in-person and offer Pushpanjali. To have the bhog, you have to pay separately at the event. 

How can I know more / stay informed?

Please follow our Facebook page or visit our website to stay informed on the latest. In addition, you will receive our update emails with more details. Please register on our website to be put on the mailing list. It is free!

Can I be part of the Pujo team?
This year we require more volunteers to help with the Pujo, and need your help. If you share our passion, and are fully vaccinated, please email us at contact@pashchimi.org.

Disclaimer
While Pashchimi is doing everything possible to ensure your safety by adhering to CDC’s health guidelines, we strongly recommend everyone to consider health risks for you and your family before deciding to join in-person. Pashchimi will not be responsible for any health consequences if you chose to attend the event in-person.