Guide
Booking a pathak
Mandals book pathaks for aagman and visarjan. Families book them for weddings and housing societies for their own utsav. Whatever the occasion, the process is the same: find the right pathak, ask early, and agree on the details that matter.
Start with the right pathak
Browse the pathak directory by city and area. A pathak based near your venue means less travel cost and a better chance they know your lane, your society, your mandal. Profiles show their history, size, the mandals they have performed with, and contact details where the pathak has shared them.
When to ask
- Ganeshotsav slots: Serious pathaks are committed months ahead — approach before the monsoon, not the week before Chaturthi. Aagman and visarjan days fill first.
- Weddings and society events: A month or more of notice is respectful; practice schedules intensify near the festival.
- Corporate and cultural programmes: Flexible outside festival season — many pathaks welcome off-season performances.
What to agree on
- Strength: how many dhol, tasha, and dhwaj members will come.
- Duration and slots: performance length, arrival time, and breaks.
- Route or venue: procession distance, or the space available at a static venue.
- Contribution: many pathaks perform for mandals as seva; private events carry a charge that supports instruments and travel. Discuss it directly and respectfully.
- Logistics: water, parking for instrument vehicles, and a contact person on the day.
Enquire through Naad
Found a pathak you want? Use the contact details on their profile, or submit a performance once a booking is confirmed so the community can find it on the performances page. If you run a mandal, you can also claim your mandal page to keep your festival schedule visible.