Q1: What are the attendance guidelines ?
While the pandemic restrictions have eased, we have decided to continue to monitor and enforce the outlined guidelines for the safety of attendees and volunteers, especially to adhere to the city fire and safety regulations.
– Registration is recommended for attending any day of the event; it immensely helps us plan for bhog distribution and tent capacity management.
– We may have to limit attendance inside the pandal to ~100 people at a time
– We may limit visitors’ duration of stay within the pandal
– We plan to perform deep cleaning of the premises on a daily basis
Q2: Do I have to pay to have food (Bhog)?
NO. We are not a ticketed event. All costs and efforts to prepare and serve bhog (food) are borne by our generous volunteer/members. You may sponsor for a puja day or help us with a donation to cover some of our costs.
On the puja days, food coupons will be distributed to registered attendees, on a first come first served basis. Our goal is to ensure no one goes without getting fed, even if a modest meal. Sometimes due to forecasting perils, shortages surface – please work with our tireless volunteers (easily spotted by a non-descript badge) to workout an amicable solution.
Q3: Are you open all day during the five days? Why is the event running beyond the weekend?
We make a humble attempt to align our dates with the actual dates of Durga Puja in India. Hence our days are not restricted to weekends. The pandal will be open for visitors all day on Saturday and Sunday, and 6-10PM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Q4: What is the menu for the meals (Bhog)??
Menu is solely decided by our volunteers. We promise a sumptuous hot meal, albeit not Michelin starred.
Q5: Who are the organizers or members?
We are truly a flat organization devoid of hierarchies where we loosely refer to tireless volunteers as members. Some of us are a bit more enthusiastic (who take PTO’s or spend their own dime in this endeavor) than others, but our North Star revolves around making the Pujo our own. Whoever wants to join in the celebrations, even without any commitment to spend their sweat equity, we would welcome them to join. If for some reason, your expectations are not met, please do not hesitate to have a quiet word with any one with a humble badge, so as to have your needs accommodated.
Q6: How can I participate in the cultural, puja or bhog?
We welcome all volunteers. Please contact any of our committee members. They will be more than happy to accommodate you.
Q7: Can I sponsor specific portions or sub-events of the day?
Absolutely. Our pujo would not be possible without your generous donations. Please refer to our donation page for details.
Q9: Is parking available on site?
Please refer to the parking details on our Parking Instructions page for details. This year’s location requires you to park at the nearby MBTA station parking. Please follow payment instructions on the signs.
Note: NO parking spots available for guests in front of the tent. Volunteers need the space in front of the tent to bring in heavy supplies.
Q10: Are there dress codes to attend the event?
Well, we will be flaunting our Indian attire. Please feel free to dress comfortably. In solidarity with the doctors in lieu of the tragic events in Kolkata, we plan to dress in blacks on Thursday (Saptami) – no obligations but just for information.
Q11: Do you have climate control in the Pandal?
Yes, we have provisioned for a heated tent and all other equipment that are necessary to maintain comfortable temperatures within the facility. There will be a heated auditorium for a sit down meal as well – please be mindful of guests with special needs.
Q12: Okay, so how do I become a member?
While you may hear us loosely refer to the term ‘members’ – in reality it means the volunteers, who have become friends (some may be in the last 2 months leading up to the preparations), for life. We do NOT have any membership or exclusive VIP access parts ANYWHERE in the facility – only one band of service – family and friends. Almost no part of our operations are covered by paid outsourced service, so your help during the puja days are highly appreciated. Please bring it up with the volunteers at the front desk, and they will be able to direct you to where your support would be most needed.