What are temple donation boxes called in India? Regional names explained

From hundi in South India to daan peti in the North, temple donation boxes have different names across regions. Here's a simple guide to the most commonly used terms and their local usage.

In Short

• Hundi is the most widely used name for temple donation boxes
• Different regions use terms such as Daan Peti, Golak and Kanike
• Many temples now offer digital donations through e-Hundi and UPI

If you've visited temples across India, you've probably noticed that the donation box doesn't always have the same name. While its purpose remains the same, collecting offerings from devotees, the term changes with the local language and temple tradition.

For a general audience, hundi is the safest and most widely recognised term. In simple words, temple donation boxes, called hundis in India, collect offerings from devotees. However, several other names are also commonly used depending on the region.

HUNDI IS THE MOST COMMON TERM

The word hundi is the best-known traditional name for a temple donation box in India. It is widely used in temple trusts, media reports and religious institutions, especially in South India. The variant hundial is also used in some places and carries the same meaning.

In English, these boxes are often referred to as donation boxes, offering boxes or cash collection boxes, especially in news reports and official documents.

DIFFERENT REGIONS, DIFFERENT NAMES

Across North and Central India, the term Daan Peti or Daan Patra is commonly used. These names are popular in Hindi-speaking states and are often seen at temples in cities such as Ayodhya, Varanasi and New Delhi.

In Punjab and nearby regions, the collection box is often called a Golak. Meanwhile, in Karnataka, devotees may also hear the word Kanike, which refers to an offering and, in some contexts, the donation box itself.

In parts of western and central India, some temples also use the word Bhandar for the donation chest or collection area, depending on local customs.

THE BEST TERM TO USE

There is no separate official name for temple donation boxes in every city. The name usually depends on the local language and temple tradition rather than the location itself.

- Ends