‘Would I get dinner tonight?’: Indian Pandit Ji in Dubai recalls early days without fixed salary

An Indian Hindu priest working in Dubai has opened up about the financial uncertainty he faced during his early days in the UAE, revealing that he sometimes worried about how he would afford his next meal despite having breakfast that morning. Shastri Neeraj Pandit Ji, who hails from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, shared his experience in a conversation with an Instagram creator, explaining that his work as a priest never came with a fixed monthly salary. His account offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by Indians who move abroad in search of opportunities but must navigate uncertain earnings and everyday expenses.

Hindu priest in Dubai reveals how much he earned initially

Shastri Neeraj Pandit Ji works as a Hindu priest in Dubai, performing pujas and religious ceremonies for members of the Indian community and other devotees living in the city.

During his conversation with the Instagram creator, he was asked about his earnings when he first started working in Dubai. The priest explained that he did not receive a fixed salary and instead depended on the dakshina, or offerings, given to him for conducting religious ceremonies.


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He recalled that the amount varied from one occasion to another. Sometimes, he would receive AED 500 (approximately Rs 12,000), while on other occasions, the offering would be AED 200 (approximately Rs 4,800).

With no guaranteed monthly income, his earnings depended on the ceremonies he performed and the offerings he received. This made it difficult to predict how much money he would have at the end of each month.

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‘How would I manage my next meal?’: Priest recalls difficult days

Recalling the most challenging period of his life in Dubai, Neeraj Pandit Ji described the uncertainty he experienced during his initial days in the city.

He said there were times when, even after having breakfast, he would worry about how he would arrange his next meal in the evening. With no fixed salary to rely on, meeting basic needs could become a daily concern.

His experience highlights the financial difficulties that can accompany the decision to work in another country. While Dubai is often associated with employment opportunities and higher earnings, his account illustrates how irregular income can make it difficult to achieve financial stability, particularly when starting out.

The priest's story also sheds light on the experiences of Indians working in professions where earnings depend on individual assignments, services or voluntary payments rather than a regular monthly wage.

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Dubai-based priest shares message of unity and respect

Beyond discussing his financial struggles, Neeraj Pandit Ji also shared a message about the importance of harmony among people from different backgrounds.

When asked what message he wanted to convey to viewers, he said people from India and other countries should live together with love and mutual respect, regardless of their nationality or place of origin.

He also expressed the view that festivals should bring people together, with members of different communities participating in celebrations and strengthening their bonds.

His message centred on coexistence and the idea that people should celebrate festivals collectively rather than allow differences in background to divide them.

The priest's account combines a personal story of financial uncertainty with a broader appeal for compassion, mutual respect and community spirit among people living far from their home countries.