A society Durga Puja brings neighbours together, but it also needs planning, money and clear roles. This checklist is for committee members organising a puja for the first time, or anyone who wants a smoother year than the last one.
Form a small committee
- One person each for budget, pandit and rituals, idol and pandal, bhog and food, and cultural events.
- Use one WhatsApp group for decisions and a shared sheet for money.
- Agree who can approve spending, so nothing is stuck at the last minute.
Budget and collection
List the main costs: idol, pandal and decoration, pandit dakshina, samagri, bhog, sound and lights, and cleaning. Share an estimate with residents before you collect, and post a simple account of spending after the festival. Transparency keeps people happy to contribute next year.
Permissions and safety
- Get written approval from the RWA or society management for space and timings.
- Check local rules for loudspeakers, temporary structures and immersion.
- Keep fire extinguishers near lamps and havan, and keep exits clear.
- Plan for elderly residents and children in crowds.
Booking the pandit
Society pujas need a pandit for all main days, often with a helper. Book 6 to 8 weeks early. Confirm the tradition you follow (for example Bengali or North Indian), the daily timings, Sandhi Puja, the havan and the total dakshina for all days.
Idol and pandal
- Order the idol early; good artisans are booked weeks in advance.
- Choose eco-friendly clay idols and natural colours where possible.
- Plan the immersion: many cities now offer artificial ponds or society-level immersion.
Bhog and daily schedule
Share a daily schedule with residents: puja, anjali, bhog and evening aarti times. Assign volunteers for serving bhog and cleaning, and plan quantities from the number of households.