Hosting a Mata Ki Chowki means a pooja, a group of singers, seating for guests and food afterwards. The pandit team leads the pooja and the sequence, so you can look after your guests.
Why it is done
Mata Ki Chowki is a traditional devotional gathering in praise of the Mother Goddess, common in North India. It usually combines a Devi pooja with bhajans and kirtan, and many families hold it at festivals, family occasions or after an important milestone. Formats vary widely by region and family.
Who it is for
Families hosting a gathering for a festival, a housewarming, a birth or another milestone; neighbourhoods and communities who gather for the Devi; households who keep a regular Chowki.
When to do it
Many families hold it in the evening, during Navratri or on another date they choose. Your pandit can suggest a muhurat for the pooja. If your family has its own custom, that takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 2 hours for the standard ceremony; about 4 hours for the extended one.
- Standard: The standard ceremony with 18 steps, led by 3 pandits: the pooja, Devi invocations, bhajans and kirtan, aarti and prasad. A good fit for a family gathering at home.
- Extended: The extended ceremony with 18 steps, led by a team of 5 pandits over about 4 hours: the same sequence with a longer bhajan and kirtan portion and more time at each stage. Suits a larger gathering.
If you are hosting a smaller family gathering, start with the standard. If you have many guests or want a longer bhajan evening, the extended gives more time and a larger team.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself.
Video option
Mata Ki Chowki is best done with the pandit present at your home or venue, so video is not offered for it.
The sequence
- Purification and lamp lighting to begin
- Ganesh invocation
- Sankalp with your family's details
- Pooja of the conch, bell and Gauri-Ganesh
- Invocation of the yoginis, as the pandit's tradition includes
- Main pooja of Durga
- Recitation of Devi's names
- Bhajans and kirtan
- Aarti and pushpanjali
- Prasad and closing prayers
How to prepare
- Arrange a clean, large space with seating for guests and a decorated altar or chowki
- Keep a picture or murti of the Mata, with flowers, chunri, fruits and the offerings your family uses
- Confirm with the pandits whether they bring the musicians or you arrange them
- Check your building or society rules on sound and timing
- Keep a safe place for diyas
- Plan prasad and food for guests and the pandits
Who should attend
The host family and guests. Traditionally the head of the household sits for the main pooja, but families decide this for themselves; everyone can join the bhajans and aarti.
Your tradition
Chowki and jagran formats vary across Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and other regions, including the bhajan style, duration and rituals. Tell us your tradition and language when booking so we can match a team who follows it.
Safety
Diyas and incense involve an open flame, so keep them away from curtains, decorations and children. Plan the space for a crowd and check your society's rules on amplified sound.
Questions
How long should I plan for? About 2 hours for the standard ceremony and about 4 hours for the extended one, plus setup time.
Does the team include singers? Please confirm with us when you book what the pandit team covers and whether you need to arrange musicians.
How many guests can we invite? That is up to you and your space. Check your society's rules on gatherings and sound.
Can it be done on video? No. Mata Ki Chowki is best done with the pandits present, so video is not offered.
What if our family follows a different format? Your family's custom takes priority. Share it when you book.