The Maha Kumbh 2025, Prayagraj, is the world’s largest religious congregation, with an extraordinary example of devotion and service through the free kitchens feeding three lakh people daily. From 13 January to 26 February, these community-run kitchens, including the ‘ISKCON-led Mahaprasad Seva’, the ‘thirteen Akhadas’ Kitchen, and the eminent ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ kitchen. They all ensured that every pilgrim was fed, reinforcing the event’s spiritual inclusivity.
Thousands of volunteers work vigorously, uplifting the tradition of selfless service while embracing eco-friendly cooking practices. As millions of devotees arrive in Prayagraj for spiritual cleansing and prayers, the Maha Kumbh transforms into a hub of faith and nourishment.
Pure Meals for All
Among the most significant food distribution centers is the Om Namah Shivaya kitchen, which operates round the clock, serving nutritious meals to lakhs of attendees. Remaining loyal to the Satvic principles of diet, these kitchens cater to pure vegetarian meals, and so devotees receive nourishing food which not only gives the strength to serve God but is also spiritually enriching. The menu includes dal, chole, rajma, seasonal vegetables, rotis, rice, and sweets like halwa and boondi laddus.
Boiled vegetables, soups, and almost mild spices’ preparation are made in advance to serve international visitors coming from countries like Japan, Russia, Australia, and Malaysia.
These kitchens employ clay stoves, wood, and cow dung cakes as fuel by adopting sustainable cooking practices. The no-plastic policy, on food distribution, mirrors the larger environmental conservation efforts of Maha Kumbh. Modern efficiency goes hand in hand with tradition as automated machines for rotis assist in achieving an output of 20,000 meals per hour along with traditional chulhas to make puris and sweets.
ISKCON’s Mahaprasad Kitchen
The important kitchen is ‘ISKCON’s Mahaprasad Seva’, which aims to serve more than 50 lakh pilgrims throughout the festival. Every day, almost a million people are served in various meal sessions by their network of cooks located both inside and outside the Mela grounds.
The ‘thirteen Akhadas’ kitchen at the Maha Kumbh is led by a Kothari and manages their own kitchens. Items like garlic, onions, and some lentils are prohibited in their kitchens because of stringent dietary regulations. After morning Puja (aartis), food is served for breakfast (balbhog) and throughout the day. After evening aartis, there is a large meal.
This amazing food is made possible by thousands of committed volunteers who work in shifts to guarantee that food is distributed without interruption. Because of their steadfast dedication, these kitchens are hallowed places where service and devotion collide, carrying on the long-standing custom of feeding all seekers regardless of their status or background. The Maha Kumbh’s pulsating spirit of generosity is demonstrated by this expansive network of communal kitchens.
