In a city where tradition is deeply rooted and rituals form the backbone of social life, Sumangalam is quietly reshaping what devotion looks like. We are a group of women priests based in Kolkata, offering Hindu rituals with the same dedication and spiritual rigor that has long been associated with male purohits.

At Sumangalam, we believe rituals should feel personal, inclusive, and accessible—not rigid or intimidating. And we believe that women have every right to lead those sacred moments.

Where It All Began

For generations, performing Hindu rituals—be it for a marriage, housewarming, or a final farewell—was seen as a man’s domain. But we asked, why should that be the case? When a woman can nurture a home, lead a community, and teach scriptures—why not also lead sacred rites?

We didn’t set out to challenge the tradition. We set out to belong to it.

We studied. We trained. We chanted the mantras over and over until they weren’t just memorized—they were understood, felt, and lived. And then, one ritual at a time, we stepped into a role that had quietly waited for us all along.

What We Do

Today, Sumangalam offers a range of rituals tailored to life’s most important moments. All of them are led by trained women priests who are not only fluent in Vedic knowledge but also sensitive to the emotional and cultural needs of the families we serve.

Here’s how we walk this path with you:

• Weddings
  We officiate Hindu weddings with equal focus on tradition and emotion. From the sacred vows to the blessings, we ensure every ritual reflects balance, clarity, and mutual respect between the partners.
   
• Marriage Anniversaries
  A marriage doesn’t end at the wedding. We help couples celebrate their journey with meaningful anniversary ceremonies, often involving vow renewals or prayers for continued togetherness.
   
• Seniors’ Birthdays
  Honoring the life of a senior family member is a moment of gratitude. Our birthday rituals include prayers for longevity, health, and spiritual well-being, conducted with warmth and respect.
   
• Annaprasana (First-Rice) Ceremonies
  A child’s first solid meal is a cherished milestone. We lead Annaprasana ceremonies with joy and care, making the event memorable for both the baby and the family.
   
• Housewarmings
  Moving into a new home is more than just a physical shift—it’s a spiritual one. We conduct housewarming (Griha Pravesh) pujas to purify the space and welcome prosperity, peace, and protection.
   
• Rituals for the Departed Souls
  Loss is never easy. We help families find peace by performing last rites and remembrance rituals with compassion and dignity. Our prayers are rooted in the Vedas, offering healing to both the departed and those left behind.
   

Each of these rituals is not just about procedure—it’s about presence. We involve families, explain meanings, and ensure that everyone—regardless of age or gender—feels included in the sacred process.

People’s Reactions: A Shift We Feel Deeply

We’ve seen people’s expressions shift—from surprise, to curiosity, to respect—when they see a woman step forward to conduct a ritual. Some elders nod quietly. Some children ask questions. And many families tell us afterward, “This felt more personal.”

We’ve seen brides well up with tears hearing mantras explained to them in Bengali. We’ve watched sons and daughters join in pujas with new understanding. In those moments, we’re reminded of why this path matters.

We Don’t Perform—We Serve

At Sumangalam, we’re not here to perform a show. We’re here to serve something sacred. That means we come prepared, humble, and centered. We wear simple clothes. We use clean language. We don’t rush through rituals—we guide them.

We don’t want to break tradition. We want to carry it forward—on our own terms, with sincerity.

It’s More Than a Role—It’s a Responsibility

We’re not just women in robes reciting verses. We are practitioners, caretakers of sacred knowledge. Many of us are teachers, artists, daughters, and mothers. But when we stand before the sacred fire, we carry one role above all: that of a spiritual guide.

And we take that seriously.

Looking Ahead

We know we still have a long way to go. Not every family will choose us, and not everyone will accept what we do right away. But every time a little girl sees us performing a wedding… every time a family tells us, “You made the ritual feel real,”… we know that something is shifting.

Sumangalam is not just a group of lady priests. It’s a symbol of what can happen when devotion meets quiet courage.

If you’re looking for rituals that feel rooted yet relevant, traditional yet warm, we’d be honored to be part of your journey.