Puja Cloth is a specially made altar cloth designed to create a clean, respectful and visually harmonious surface for daily worship and special ceremonies. Traditionally used to line home mandirs, temple altars and puja thalis, this cloth both protects the underlying surface and highlights the sacred items placed on it. Puja cloths are commonly produced in natural fibers such as cotton and silk as well as decorative brocade blends; they are available in a variety of auspicious colors like white, saffron, red and green and often feature traditional motifs such as Om, Swastika, lotus or floral borders. A well-made puja cloth has neat hems and a flat, absorbent surface that makes it practical for holding flowers, kumkum, rice, incense and other offerings while also adding to the aesthetic of the worship space. Because it is dedicated to ritual use, many people keep a puja cloth folded or covered between ceremonies to preserve its cleanliness and sanctity.

How to use: Before its first use, wash the cloth according to the fabric label and iron it so it lies flat on the altar. Place the puja cloth over the mandir shelf or the surface where deities and puja items will sit, centering it so the focal idol or picture is on the cloth’s main area. Arrange metal plates, lamps and offering bowls on top of the cloth, using small trays or diya holders beneath open flames to prevent scorching. Use the cloth to collect loose flowers, rice and other small offerings during the ritual, and replace or launder it whenever it becomes soiled. For care, follow the garment’s specific instructions: cotton varieties tolerate gentle machine or hand wash in cold water with mild detergent, while delicate silks and brocades should be hand-washed gently or dry-cleaned to preserve color and texture; avoid bleach, dry in shade to prevent fading and store in a clean, dry place when not in use.