Hundreds of organizations to host free community kitchens at Mahakumbh
Mahakumbh Nagar (The Uttam Hindu): The grand Mahakumbh 2025, the largest gathering of the Sanatan faith, is set to take place in Prayagraj. This sacred event is expected to draw an estimated 40 to 45 crore devotees from across India and around the world, all coming to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Triveni Sangam. In addition to ritual bathing, the act of charity, particularly food donation, holds immense spiritual significance during the Mahakumbh. Reflecting this tradition, hundreds of organizations will participate in this spiritual festivity by organizing bhandaras (community kitchens) and offering free meals to devotees.
Starting from January 13, the entire fairground will host these bhandaras, ensuring that no visitor goes hungry. Some organizations have already commenced their services, while others are preparing to establish food distribution points.
Notable groups like Akshaya Patra, ISKCON, and Om Namah Shivay are set to serve large numbers of devotees through their langars and community kitchens.
According to Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, between 8,000 to 10,000 organizations are anticipated to participate in the Mahakumbh this year. He added, "Representatives from nearly every religious sect in the country will be welcomed by the fair administration, with comprehensive arrangements in place for their participation. To further support devotees, the administration has established Fair Price Shops, providing essential food items at affordable rates, ensuring a seamless and fulfilling experience for all attending this spiritual spectacle."
According to Vivek Chaturvedi, ADM Mela, bathing and donating in Prayagraj hold special significance during events like Kumbh, Mahakumbh, and Magh Mela. He said, "During these festivals, hundreds of organizations come forward to organize free langars and bhandaras, serving meals to millions of devotees. In addition to the mela, these community feasts are set up at major intersections, corners, and streets across the city. Estimating their exact number is challenging, as both organizations and residents participate in these charitable acts in large numbers. "
One such bhandara began on December 1 near Digambar Akhara, organized by All India Panchterah Tyagi, Khakchowk (Ram Santosh Das Ji Maharaj). According to Mahant Gopal Das Ji, free meals will be provided to all visitors before and throughout the Mahakumbh. The Bhandara operates from 9 am to 9 pm, with tea being served to devotees from 4 am.
Similarly, the food distribution at Juna Akhara in Sector 20 will start on December 25. Mrityunjay Puri Ji of Shri Hinglaj Math Alag Darbar shared that their food service will run from 8 am to 2 pm and again from 4 pm to 8 pm, ensuring no devotee goes hungry.
Mahant Satyagiri, National Secretary of Awahan Akhara, confirmed that food distribution has already begun and will continue throughout the Mahakumbh, with free meals provided to all devotees.
Additionally, the Raghuvansh Seva Sankalp Trust from Ayodhya is also organizing a food distribution initiative. Mahant Swami Dilip Das Tyagi Ji Maharaj of Ram Vaidehi Temple mentioned that their food distribution will operate 24 hours a day, offering food prasad to all devotees coming for a dip in Sangam.
Similarly, the Maa Reva Foundation from Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, will run a 24-hour food distribution service during the Mahakumbh, named Ananya Anna Kshetra, ensuring that devotees receive prasad throughout the 45-day festival.
