New Delhi Feb 7: As the grand spiritual gathering of the Maha Kumbh unfolds at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, millions of pilgrims find themselves immersed not only in the divine experience of bathing in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam but also in the warmth of a wholesome, nourishing meal.
This heartwarming gesture comes courtesy of the Adani Group, which, in collaboration with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is running the ‘Mahaprasad Seva’—an initiative that exemplifies the values of philanthropy, service, and a deep reverence for Sanatan Dharma.
From early morning at 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., thousands of devotees at the Maha Kumbh are being served high-quality Mahaprasad, prepared in strict accordance with Satvik traditions. Every meal is a testament to purity and hygiene, lovingly crafted as an offering to the divine before being distributed to the pilgrims. The initiative spans multiple locations across the vast Kumbh grounds, ensuring that devotees from all backgrounds can partake in this sacred service.
At the core of this noble undertaking is the ISKCON kitchen in Sector-19, a model of cleanliness and organization. Spotless cooking areas, abundant supplies of clean drinking water, and dedicated staff create an environment that perfectly combines devotion with efficient management. For those visiting the ISKCON pandal, a seating arrangement is thoughtfully provided, allowing pilgrims to enjoy their meals in comfort and serenity.
A Harmonious Partnership: Feeding the Masses, Nourishing the Spirit
The large-scale distribution of Mahaprasad is made possible through ISKCON’s spiritual leadership and the Adani Group’s operational expertise. Each day, thousands of staff members work tirelessly to ensure the smooth delivery of food across the Kumbh grounds, including main roads, markets, and key gathering points. The variety of dishes changes daily, offering devotees a different culinary experience while ensuring that the food satisfies both the body and the soul. Many pilgrims view the meal as a sacred offering, blessed by divinity, and consider it a vital part of their spiritual journey.
Devotees are also encouraged to volunteer in the distribution of the prasad, enhancing the collective spirit of service that lies at the heart of the Maha Kumbh. This collaboration between the community and the organizers has won widespread appreciation, with many praising Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani for his vision, generosity, and deep-rooted dedication to Sanatan Dharma.
Heartfelt Gratitude from Pilgrims
The impact of the Mahaprasad Seva has been profound, with pilgrims expressing sincere gratitude for the initiative. A woman devotee, visibly moved by the arrangements, shared her appreciation: “The services provided by ISKCON and Adani ji are commendable. Gautam Adani is performing a great service for which he deserves our heartfelt thanks. Such noble acts will surely bring him divine blessings.”
Gaurav Mishra, a pilgrim from Jaunpur, praised the seamless coordination of food distribution and other services. “What Adani ji and ISKCON have accomplished here is remarkable. They’ve even arranged electric vehicles for elderly pilgrims, which is a thoughtful and much-needed addition. I’ve been here for several days, and there has never been a shortage of food or care. His dedication to serving the people and upholding Sanatan Dharma reflects his noble character. I pray to Lord Shiva for his continued success.”
Kishorebhai and Prakash, pilgrims from Vadodara, Gujarat, echoed these sentiments. “The food served here is of exceptional quality,” said Prakash. “Gautam Adani’s commitment to Sanatan Dharma is evident in everything he is doing here. He is not just providing food—he is feeding devotion and keeping the spirit of the Maha Kumbh alive.”
Pushpendra, a long-time volunteer at ISKCON Kanpur, acknowledged the significance of the collaboration. “This partnership exemplifies the concept of seva—selfless service,” he said. “Adani ji’s contributions will undoubtedly be rewarded with divine blessings, as those who serve others in the name of God receive blessings in return.”
A priest at the ISKCON temple spoke about the diversity of the offerings. “Every day, eight to ten different varieties of prasad are prepared with the utmost care and purity. The food is first offered to the deities, and only then is it distributed to the devotees. The Adani Group has made excellent arrangements, including transportation for pilgrims. Their support has been invaluable.”
Holistic Services for Devotees
The Adani Group’s efforts go beyond food distribution. The conglomerate is also providing free medical services, distributing religious literature, and operating electric vehicles to assist elderly pilgrims, ensuring that everyone can move around the vast Kumbh grounds with ease. Dr. Narendra Wankar, who traveled from Mumbai, praised the initiative. “I am amazed by the level of care and organization here. The food is pure and hygienic, and the overall management is exceptional. An event of this magnitude requires such dedication, and Adani ji has delivered it flawlessly.”
Pilgrims from across the country have expressed similar gratitude. Pandit Suryakant from Anand, Gujarat, highlighted the uniqueness of the services, while Praveena from Telangana admired the clean and well-managed kitchen facilities.
A Legacy Rooted in Faith and Service
Throughout the Maha Kumbh, Gautam Adani’s efforts have demonstrated his profound faith and commitment to serving humanity. More than an industrialist, he is seen by many pilgrims as a karmayogi—a man of action, driven by values of compassion, service, and devotion. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the event, with devotees offering prayers for his success and well-being.
As Bhavya Vankar, a doctor from Mumbai, noted, “Adani ji’s partnership with ISKCON is a shining example of how businesses can contribute meaningfully to society. By feeding lakhs of people every day, he is creating a legacy rooted in faith, community, and service. We are truly grateful for his efforts.”
Through the Mahaprasad Seva, the Adani Group is not merely distributing meals—it is nourishing faith, fostering unity, and embodying the ancient values of seva that form the foundation of Indian spiritual life. As pilgrims leave the Maha Kumbh, many carry not just the blessings of the sacred waters but also the lasting memory of a meal that was served with devotion and love. For countless devotees, Gautam Adani’s contributions have become a symbol of selfless service, inspiring a spirit of gratitude, reverence, and hope.( With inputs from IANS)
