Last Updated: October 13, 2025
Our Commitment to You
At ISKCON Palghar, we strive to provide meaningful spiritual services and experiences. This Refund Policy outlines the terms and conditions under which refunds may be requested and processed for various services, programs, and transactions. Please read this policy carefully before making any payments or donations.
1. General Refund Policy
ISKCON Palghar operates as a non-profit religious organization dedicated to spiritual education and community service. Our refund policy is designed to be fair while supporting our mission and operational sustainability.
⚠️ Important Note on Donations
All donations made to ISKCON Palghar are voluntary contributions and are generally non-refundable. Donations are made to support our spiritual activities, temple maintenance, deity worship, and community programs. Once accepted, donations are utilized immediately for these purposes and cannot be refunded except in cases of clear error or as required by law.
2. Refund Eligibility by Category
A. Donations and General Contributions
Policy: Non-Refundable
- General Donations: All general donations, including one-time contributions, monthly pledges, and corpus fund donations are non-refundable
- Deity Seva Donations: Contributions for deity worship, decorations, and daily sevas are non-refundable
- Festival Sponsorships: Festival and celebration sponsorships are non-refundable once the event preparation begins
- Construction/Development Funds: Donations toward temple construction or development projects are non-refundable
- Life Membership Fees: Life membership contributions are non-refundable and non-transferable
Exception: Refunds may be considered if there is a clear technical error (duplicate transaction, incorrect amount charged) or if legally required. Such cases will be reviewed on an individual basis.
B. Guest House and Accommodation Bookings
Policy: Partial Refund Based on Notice Period
| Cancellation Timeline |
Refund Percentage |
Processing Fee |
| 15+ days before check-in |
90% refund |
10% administrative fee |
| 7-14 days before check-in |
75% refund |
25% cancellation fee |
| 3-6 days before check-in |
50% refund |
50% cancellation fee |
| Less than 3 days before check-in |
No refund |
100% forfeited |
| No-show or early checkout |
No refund |
100% forfeited |
Note: The notice period is calculated from the date cancellation request is received by temple administration, not from the date of request submission.
C. Programs, Courses, and Workshops
Policy: Refund Based on Program Type
Multi-Day Programs and Retreats:
- Cancellation 30+ days before: 80% refund
- Cancellation 15-29 days before: 60% refund
- Cancellation 7-14 days before: 40% refund
- Cancellation less than 7 days: No refund
Single-Day Events and Workshops:
- Cancellation 7+ days before: 70% refund
- Cancellation 3-6 days before: 50% refund
- Cancellation less than 3 days: No refund
Online Courses and Webinars:
- Refund available before course start date: 100% (if no content accessed)
- After course begins: No refund (course access remains for duration)
- Technical issues: Alternative solutions provided; refund at discretion
Note: Registration fees for free or donation-based programs are non-refundable if processing/administrative costs have been incurred.
D. Prasadam (Food Services) and Meal Bookings
Policy: Time-Sensitive Refunds
- Festival Meal Bookings: Refundable until 48 hours before the event (80% refund)
- Daily Meal Plans: Refundable until 24 hours before scheduled meal (70% refund)
- Same-Day Orders: Non-refundable once preparation begins
- Catering Services: Subject to specific contract terms; generally 50-75% refund based on notice period
Note: In case of genuine emergencies or health issues, exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis with appropriate documentation.
E. Book Store and Merchandise
Policy: Exchange or Store Credit Preferred
- Defective Items: Full refund or replacement within 7 days of purchase
- Non-Defective Items: Exchange or store credit within 3 days (items must be unused with original packaging)
- Books and Publications: Exchange only; no cash refunds unless defective
- Custom/Personalized Items: Non-refundable
- Sale Items: All sales final; no refunds or exchanges
F. Event Cancellations by ISKCON Palghar
Policy: Full Refund or Credit
If ISKCON Palghar cancels or significantly modifies a program or event:
- Participants will be notified as soon as possible
- Full refund will be provided for registration fees
- Alternatively, credit can be applied toward future programs
- ISKCON Palghar is not responsible for non-refundable travel or accommodation costs
- Refunds will be processed within 15 business days
3. How to Request a Refund
Refund Request Process
- Submit Request in Writing: Send an email to refunds@iskconpalghar.org or visit the temple office during business hours
- Include Required Information:
- Full name and contact details
- Transaction/booking reference number
- Date and amount of payment
- Reason for refund request
- Proof of payment (receipt, transaction screenshot)
- Bank account details for refund processing
- Review Period: Allow 5-7 business days for review of your request
- Decision Notification: You will receive confirmation via email or phone
- Refund Processing: Approved refunds are processed within 10-15 business days
- Credit to Account: Refunds are credited to the original payment method or bank account provided
Important: Refund requests submitted after the specified deadlines will not be entertained except in extraordinary circumstances with supporting documentation.
4. Processing Fees and Deductions
Applicable Fees
When refunds are processed, the following fees may be deducted:
- Payment Gateway Fees: Transaction charges (typically 2-3%) are non-refundable
- Administrative Fee: ₹100-500 depending on the transaction value
- Processing Fee: Bank transfer charges, if applicable
- Service Fee: For programs where resources have been allocated
Example: For a ₹5,000 accommodation booking canceled 10 days before check-in (75% refund policy), the refund calculation would be:
Original Amount: ₹5,000
Refund Percentage: 75% = ₹3,750
Less Gateway Fee (2.5%): ₹125
Less Administrative Fee: ₹200
Final Refund: ₹3,425
5. Special Circumstances
Medical Emergencies
In case of genuine medical emergencies preventing participation in booked programs or services:
- Submit a medical certificate from a registered healthcare provider
- Refund requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- May be offered credit for future use instead of cash refund
- Subject to review and approval by temple management
Natural Disasters or Force Majeure
In extraordinary circumstances beyond anyone's control:
- ISKCON Palghar will work with affected individuals to find reasonable solutions
- Options may include full refund, partial refund, or program rescheduling
- Decisions will be made in the spirit of compassion and fairness
Government-Mandated Closures
If government restrictions prevent temple operations or program conduct:
- Alternative online programs may be offered
- Option to transfer booking to future dates
- Partial or full refunds based on circumstances
6. Non-Refundable Items (Summary)
The Following Are Strictly Non-Refundable:
- All types of donations (general, specific purpose, corpus fund)
- Life membership fees and annual subscriptions
- Seva contributions (deity worship, festivals, special occasions)
- Charitable contributions for specific causes
- Processing fees, gateway charges, and service fees
- Custom-made or personalized items
- Digital content once accessed or downloaded
- No-show appointments or late cancellations beyond specified deadlines
7. Refund Timeline
Once a refund is approved, the following timeline applies:
- Online Payments (UPI, Card, Net Banking): 7-10 business days to reflect in your account
- Bank Transfers: 5-7 business days
- Cash Payments: Immediate refund from temple office (with proper documentation)
- Check/Cheque Payments: 10-15 business days for check processing
Note: Actual credit timing may vary based on your bank's processing schedule. ISKCON Palghar is not responsible for delays caused by banking institutions.
8. Disputes and Appeals
If you disagree with a refund decision:
- You may submit an appeal within 7 days of the initial decision
- Include additional documentation or information supporting your case
- Appeals are reviewed by senior temple management
- Final decisions on appeals are made within 10 business days
- Management decisions on appeals are final
9. Modifications to This Policy
ISKCON Palghar reserves the right to modify this refund policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. Transactions completed before policy changes will be subject to the policy in effect at the time of transaction.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Always save your payment receipts and booking confirmations
- Read specific program terms before registering
- Cancel as early as possible to maximize refund eligibility
- Contact us immediately if you encounter payment errors
- Consider travel insurance for major events requiring travel
- Check your email regularly for program updates or changes
🙏 Our Philosophy
At ISKCON Palghar, we believe in transparency, fairness, and compassion. While we have established these policies to ensure smooth operations and sustainability of our services, we understand that genuine difficulties may arise. We encourage you to reach out to us with any concerns, and we will do our best to find mutually acceptable solutions while honoring our commitment to serve the spiritual needs of our community.
Hare Krishna! Thank you for your understanding and support.
