How much does a 'Pandit ji' earn in USA? Indian woman's revelation has people saying 'engineering chhodni padegi'

At a time when Trump administration policies are forcing Indians out of America and the tech sector jobs are nothing less than living inside hot lava, it seems a new career path might be paving the way for Indian-Americans. A clip going viral on the internet has sparked a discussion about a possible change of career, after a woman revealed just how much Hindu priests charge for ceremonies in America.

US-based content creator Sarika Yadav, took to Instagram to share that she frequently received questions about the earnings of a 'Pandit Ji' in the US and the visas they use to move there. “You’ll be surprised to know how much a Pandit ji charges for a small puja in America,” she said.

Yadav shared that a simple Satyanarayan Puja conducted at a family home could cost between $300 and $350, ( ₹28,000 to ₹33,000), even when only immediate family members are present.

Temples often charge a separate fee of around $100-$150 (around ₹10,000 to ₹15,000), she added while revealing that devotees can either arrange the ritual items themselves or pay the pandit ji to bring the required materials.

Yadav also mentioned that priests are in high demand during occasions such as housewarming ceremonies, Dhanteras and the Hindu month of Sawan. Moreover, blessing rituals for newly bought vehicles also attract separate charges.

How do priests move to the USA?

As per Yadav, priests make the move on an R-1 visa, a category designed for religious workers. She explained that obtaining the visa requires religious education and fulfilling specific requirements before relocating to the country. “Ismein struggle bhi hai, mehnat bhi hai, lekin yahan aakar unhe achhi life milti hai aur kaafi paisa bhi kamate hain. (There’s struggle and hard work involved, but once they come here, they get a good life and earn well)” she said.

Social media reactions

The video managed to shock numerous viewers, making some ready for a change of career to become a priest.

"Are didi ma khud pandit lakin yahi to bass 1500 he milta hai(sic)" shared a priest.

"Hello Boss - Ho gaya mera Notice Period de do kal or parso me jaa raha ab America" quipped another.

"My sis in CA said there is a Pujari who comes in a chopper and charges around $1000-3000 for any kind of pooja," revealed another.

"Never fall in currency conversion when considering or believing in this kind vdo" advised another.

"Learning pooja! Coming soon. Ye sarkari nokri mein kuch nahi rakha hai," wrote one while another added, "Engineering chhodni padegi."