ॐ Sacred Offerings
An evening of devotion to the Mother Goddess — sung live with harmonium, not played from a recording.
About the Ceremony
Mata Ki Chowki is an evening given over to the Mother Goddess — a gathering of family, neighbours and friends around the chowki, with bhajans sung through the night. It is held during Navratri, in fulfilment of a vow, in thanksgiving after something has gone well, or simply as an annual observance a family has kept for years.
The evening opens with Ganesh puja and chowki sthapana — the installation of the Mata's chowki with the sacred kalash, the jyot (lamp) lit to burn through the evening, and the deity adorned with chunri and flowers. From there it moves into bhajans, bhents and Durga Chalisa, building through the night to the aarti and the distribution of prasad — traditionally halwa, puri and chana.
What distinguishes a chowki led by Acharya Deepak Thapliyal is that the music is genuinely live. He is a Sangeet Prabhakar — formally trained in devotional music — and sings with harmonium himself, drawing the room into the singing rather than performing at it. For families used to a recorded track playing in the background, the difference is the whole evening.
The same applies to Bhajan Sandhya — a shorter devotional evening for anniversaries, birthdays and festivals — and to Jagran, which runs through the night. In Sharjah and Dubai these are frequently held in community halls so that neighbours can join; in villas across Abu Dhabi they are just as often a family affair.
Preparation
A complete samagri list is shared on WhatsApp once your date is confirmed — and where it is easier, Acharya Ji brings it along.
Common Questions
Live. Acharya Ji is a trained Sangeet Prabhakar and sings with harmonium himself — nothing is played from a recording.
Usually three to five hours in the evening. A full jagran runs through the night.
Anything from a family gathering at home to a full community hall. In Sharjah and Dubai, halls are commonly booked so neighbours can join.
Traditionally halwa, puri and chana, along with fruit and mishri offered as bhog during the evening.
Also Available
Get in Touch
Tell Acharya Ji your preferred date and area, and he will confirm the muhurat, what is needed and how long it will take.
