Pune: ‘Was told women shouldn't perform rituals because we menstruate, but I stood my ground'

Indian Express

29-06-2025

By Kavyaa Masurkar
Vasanti Vijay Palkar, a resident of Sadashiv Peth, has been performing religious rituals and ceremonies for close to three decades. Formally trained in Paurohitya, Palkar began her practice in 1995 at the age of 43 and has since built a formidable reputation in the community through word of mouth.
Her interest in religious rituals can be credited to her grandfather, Ganesh Upadhyay, who was a respected priest. 'I used to accompany him for Satyanarayan pujas and sit beside him, listening with wonder,' she recalled. Her father, Chintaman Upadhyay, could not continue the family tradition due to financial responsibilities. 'Being the eldest son, he was compelled to take on a job for a steady family income. However, he always felt that the family tradition had to continue, consequently encouraging me to carry it forward,' she added.
Palkar began her formal training under the guidance of Jyotsana Bodas at Shri Ram Ganesh Mandal and continued under her tutelage until 2020. Over the years, she mastered various aspects of the priesthood — from Stotras and Rudras to Saptashati, Vastu Shanti, Udaka Shanti, and wedding rituals.
She started small, conducting pujas during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Maha Shivratri, as well as Satyanarayan Pujas for friends and neighbours. As word spread, she was called on to perform more elaborate rituals, including grah pravesh, thread ceremonies and weddings, many of which lasted for six to ten hours.
As per her, her journey wouldn't have been successful without the wholehearted support of her late husband, Vijay Palkar.
'Despite his long working hours, he would insist that I continue with my education and regularly attend classes. He would prepare lunch for our daughters and then leave for work,' she reminisced fondly.
His constant encouragement gave her the strength to pursue her passion seriously, she added. Despite his sad demise last year, she has continued performing ceremonies. 'It was difficult initially, but my daughters encouraged me to keep going. Conducting rituals gave me strength and helped me move on with my life, navigate through grief with dignity,' she said.
Though most of her experiences have been positive, she has also faced resistance. 'A few male priests told me that women shouldn't perform rituals because we menstruate and are impure, but I stood my ground. If one is truly interested and devoted to the task, there is no reason why one should not be allowed to do it, regardless of gender,' she added.
At the same time, she has received affirmation from unexpected quarters. 'Many people have said they prefer women performing the ceremony over men because, in their opinion, women recite the rituals more slowly and proficiently, allowing both the organisers and attendees to connect with and understand the rituals better,' she said.
Despite the time and effort involved, Palkar has never charged a fixed fee. 'Sometimes I've travelled long distances and people haven't even offered conveyance. But I do it notwithstanding because it brings peace not only to me but also to those I serve. I've never done it for the money,' she said.
Many people have told her that their lives have improved after she has performed rituals in their homes. 'Some say things have started falling into place, like improved health, healed relationships, etc. This kind of feedback motivates me and reaffirms my conviction that I and my work matter,' she said.
Although she hasn't insisted that her daughters or other women in the family follow her footsteps, she hopes her journey will encourage others. 'I believe in encouragement through personal examples. If my family wants to pursue this line, I'll support them wholeheartedly,' she said.
For Palkar, Paurohitya is a path of service to the community as well as a means of attaining inner peace. 'Make yourself so strong that no one can push you down,' she said. 'This work has given me a sense of purpose, resilience of mind and body, and clarity of thought. I hope more women are motivated to tread this sacred path, to accrue the benefits to themselves and the society,' she summarised.