Public vs Private Sangam

When creating or managing a Sangam, you can choose between public and private visibility. Here is how they differ.

Public Sangam

Discoverable — Appears in Sangam search results and browse listings.
Open membership — Any Smara user can join without an invitation.
Content visible — Posts and discussions are visible to anyone browsing the Sangam, even before joining.

Private Sangam

Hidden from search — Does not appear in public search results or browse listings.
Invitation only — Members can only join via a direct invite link or by being invited by an admin or moderator.
Content restricted — Posts and discussions are only visible to approved members.

Which Should You Choose?

| Use Case | Recommended Type | |----------|-----------------| | Neighborhood prayer group | Private | | Festival celebration community | Public | | Family devotional circle | Private | | Temple devotee community | Public | | Study group for specific texts | Private |

Changing Visibility

Sangam admins can change the visibility setting at any time from Sangam Settings > Visibility. Switching from public to private will not remove existing members, but new members will need an invitation to join.