13th January 2025: The Akshaya Patra Foundation has set up a special camp at the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, starting from January 13, 2025. The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated one acre of land near the Sangam area for Akshaya Patra’s kitchen. The Foundation’s National President, Shri Bharatarshabh Dasa, shared that their goal is to serve wholesome 20,000 meals every day during the event.
The customized Akshaya Patra kitchen is equipped with various tools to aid in food preparation and is expected to serve 20,000 people during the Maha Kumbh Mela on a daily basis. From cooking to delivery, the temporary kitchen is set to operate daily with cleanliness and quality as the top priorities.
Akshaya Patra assures delicious and nutritious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness. The kitchen adheres to top food safety management standards such as OPRP (Operational Preparedness) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). Further, the Foundation ensures strict measures to ensure the high quality of raw materials and maintain hygiene through timely pest control.
FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) methods have been duly implemented for perishable items. The water used for cooking meets the BIS10500 food safety standards. All cooking and pre-processing equipment feature stainless steel surfaces to enhance cleanliness and ensure compliance with Food Safety and Management Standards (FSMS).
Akshaya Patra’s serving to the devotees includes khichdi, pulao, jeera rice, tehari, ghee rice, rajma, vegetables, chole, dal, pickles, and more. Meals will be distributed daily between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM until February 26, 2025.
Maha Kumbh Mela: A Confluence of Faith and Service
The Kumbh Mela- the world’s largest religious gathering, is a grand celebration of faith, devotion, and cultural unity. This ancient festival attracts saints, ascetics, and pilgrims from around the world who bathe in the holy water of the Ganga and pray for spiritual enlightenment.
The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at four major religious sites, spanning approximately 48 days. However, once in 144 years, the Maha Kumbh takes place, when Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon are in specific positions. This year, Prayagraj is expected to welcome over 40 crore pilgrims from around the world.
Shri Bharatarshabh Dasa, National President of Akshaya Patra Foundation, expressed, “We are excited to serve meals in the Maha Kumbh, who are coming from various parts of India. We are glad to be part of providing them with wholesome meals. Annadaan is considered the most superior form of charity in all scriptures. We are grateful for the support from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri. Yogi Adityanath and donors who are making this initiative possible.” He further added, “Our goal is to serve 20,000 meals daily. We will provide clean, nutritious, and delicious meals with the support of our well-equipped mobile kitchen.”
Akshaya Patra has long been associated with the Kumbh Mela, during the 2018-19 Mela, the Foundation had served nearly 600,000 meals in over 50 days.