Planning a pooja abroad often comes down to one thing: finding the items. Most of the list is easy, a few things are hard, and a few cannot be shipped at all. This guide helps you plan ahead so the pooja is calm and complete.
Key takeaways
- Dry items such as roli, akshat, incense, camphor, ghee, havan samagri and cloth are widely available at Indian grocery stores and online.
- Fresh items such as bel leaves, durva, tulsi and mango leaves are harder. Ask your pandit about substitutes.
- Fresh plants, seeds and some foods are often restricted at borders. Check the rules of your country before shipping.
- Make the list early and confirm with your pandit what he will bring and what you must arrange.
Easy to find
- Roli (kumkum), turmeric, akshat (whole rice), sandalwood paste, sindoor
- Incense sticks, dhoop, camphor, cotton wicks, small clay or brass lamps
- Ghee, honey, sugar, jaggery, whole supari, betel leaves in many stores
- Havan samagri mix, samidha (sold dry), havan kund (copper or brass)
- Kalash, thali, small bowls, a bell and a conch
- Moli (kalava), janeu, red and yellow cloth, a chunari
- Coconuts, bananas and sweet items in Indian grocery stores
Harder to find, and what people use
- Bel (bilva) leaves: some stores sell them frozen or dried. Ask your pandit if dried leaves or a substitute are acceptable.
- Durva grass: fresh grass is sometimes available from Indian grocers, or from a friend's garden. Ask your pandit before using a substitute.
- Mango leaves: available in some stores. If not, betel leaves or other fresh leaves are often used on the kalash. Check with your pandit.
- Tulsi: a potted plant is easy to keep at home and will serve many future poojas.
- Fresh flowers: marigold and rose are widely available. Choose what is fresh and fragrant.
- Raw cow milk: many families use regular pasteurised milk.
- Gangajal: sold at Indian stores. A small amount is enough, and some families use clean water with a few drops.
- Kusha grass: available from specialty stores. Ask your pandit about an alternative.
Substitutes are a matter of tradition and the judgement of your pandit. The intent matters more than the exact item, but ask before you change something that your tradition treats as essential.
Shipping across borders
- Fresh plants, leaves, seeds and some foods are commonly restricted by customs and agriculture rules. Check the official rules of your country before sending or carrying them.
- Dry items such as incense, camphor and powder are usually fine, but quantity limits may apply.
- Ghee, oil and liquids may have rules on the amount and packaging when travelling by air.
- Do not carry open flames or flammable liquids in checked bags beyond what the airline allows.
Planning by ceremony
Ask your pandit which items are included. Use these as a starting checklist: Griha Pravesh, Satyanarayan, Lakshmi-Ganesh, Rudrabhishek and Shradh. They also show what each ceremony usually needs, even if you buy locally. You can see all kits in our store.
A simple checklist routine
- Ask your pandit for the samagri list a week before.
- Mark which items are dry, fresh and special.
- Order dry items online or from a local store, at least five to seven days ahead.
- Source fresh items the day before and keep them cool.
- Keep a spare lamp, extra wicks and matches, since these are the items people forget.
Frequently asked questions
Can the pandit bring the samagri?
Some do, and some provide a list. Confirm at booking who will bring what.
Can I use electric lamps instead of diyas?
Many families use them for safety in apartments. A ghee lamp for the main aarti is still preferred if allowed. See our guide on havan in an apartment.
Is online samagri authentic?
Buy from reputable Indian grocery and puja suppliers. Check reviews, return policy and the freshness of ghee and other perishables.
Looking for personalised guidance?
Speak with an Āchārya, or plan a ceremony with a pandit.