Archive · 29 Jun 2025
Pune Resident Defies Tradition, Excels in Religious Rituals
Vasanti Palkar has been a religious ritual performer for almost 30 years, starting in 1995.
She learned the practice from her grandfather and went on to master various rituals.
While some people supported her, some male priests opposed her due to her gender.
However, many appreciate her work.
She performs these rituals as a service, finding personal fulfillment and hoping to inspire other women.
Vasanti Vijay Palkar has been performing religious rituals and ceremonies for close to three decades.
She was trained in Paurohitya and began her practice in 1995.
Palkar faced resistance from some male priests who believe women shouldn't perform rituals.
She received positive feedback, with some preferring women's approach to rituals.
Palkar has never charged a fixed fee, seeing her work as service and a means of inner peace.
- Who
- Vasanti Vijay Palkar
- What
- Vasanti Vijay Palkar's journey as a priestess
- When
- Started practice in 1995 and continues today.
- Where
- Pune
- Why
- For service to the community and personal fulfillment.
Traditional View
Modern View
Gender and Ritual Performance
Traditional View
Women should not perform rituals because of menstruation.
Modern View
Women are capable and should be allowed to perform rituals regardless of gender.
- Profession
- Religious Ritual Performer (Paurohitya)
- Started Practice
- 1995
- Location
- Pune, India
- Training
- Shri Ram Ganesh Mandal under Jyotsana Bodas
- Husband's Support
- Encouraged her education and practice