Over the last few years, those celebrating Ganesh festival at home in the city are finding it increasingly difficult to organise a puja. To solve this problem, an app called Omnamo will help the subscribers perform 106 puja rituals in 12 languages and has 2000 verified pandits, for 18 varied services at just a single click.
Talking about the need of launching such an app, founder Makrand Patil says, “our idea behind launching this app is to provide all the pooja related solutions to the working crowd via a single click on the mobile phone.” Available in more than five regional languages, it allows one to select priests in their own language. “The app provides patrons flexibility to conduct pujas at home, temple, office, factory or any other convenient location, in a hassle-free manner,” he adds.
Not just during the Ganpati festival but this app can be a source for different pooja ceremonies during a year and also has facilities such as astrology, temple locator, yoga, and meditation selections. “More than 2000 Pandits and major puja material vendors and almost all top temples have already tied up with us to make us an international service provider,” informs Makrand. Currently, they are also in the process of shipping 1000 Ganpati idols to UAE, UK and Malaysia. Ninety percent of Ganesha idols are made of paper and shadhu (clay) with eco-friendly decoration made of recycled and natural colors. While the app has allowed for a hassle-free festival, it has also helped tribal women to earn their livelihood. The Puja samagri (veneration items) a re sourced from women from different parts of India, majorly tribal women of different states. “The women have grown more confident and economically self-sufficient through their sheer hard work. We are not focusing on maximization of profits but also looking at it as an initiative that shall bring about social change,” says the founder.
So far the app has secured its place in India, UAE, Canada, UK and Malaysia, and company further plans to offer services in USA, Oman, Singapore and many more countries by the end of the year.
