Guru Prasad Swami, GBC Chairman, greets Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. Image courtesy of Business Today.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the Adani Group have initiated the Mahaprasad Seva program at the Maha Kumbha Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The program, running from January 13 to February 26, is designed to distribute sanctified meals, known as prasadam, to the millions of pilgrims who attend this large religious gathering.
A Partnership of Service and Devotion
This collaboration combines ISKCON’s spiritual mission with the Adani Group’s logistical capabilities, united by a shared goal of selfless service (seva). Throughout the 45-day festival, the Mahaprasad Seva will provide meals to an estimated 100,000 devotees daily, including sanitation workers.
Meals will be prepared in two advanced kitchens staffed by 2,500 volunteers and served at 40 distribution points across the festival grounds. Each meal will consist of staples such as roti, dal, rice, vegetables, and sweets, served on eco-friendly plates made from leaves, aligning with the event’s sustainability goals.
Inclusivity and Accessibility at the Forefront
Special arrangements have been made for vulnerable groups, including the provision of golf carts for differently-abled individuals, older people, and mothers with children, ensuring accessibility for all.
Sharing Transcendental Literature
Additionally, in collaboration with Gita Press, five lakh (500,000) copies of Geeta Saar, a summary collection of verses from the Bhagavad-gita, will be distributed, offering spiritual guidance alongside prasadam. The Adani Group has also pledged to distribute one crore (10,000,000) copies of the Aarti Sangrah, a compilation of devotional hymns.
Leaders Reflect on the Partnership
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve at such a sacred event, stating, “Kumbha is a sacred place of seva, where every devotee participates in the name of seva to God. Seva is meditation, seva is prayer, and seva is God.”
ISKCON’s Guru Prasad Swami, Chairman of the Governing Body Commission (GBC), praised the Adani Group’s commitment to service, noting, “What makes Gautam Adani ji outstanding is his humility – he never waits to be called but takes the initiative to serve selflessly. This partnership inspires us all to unite in the service of humanity.” You can watch a brief video of the two leaders meeting here.
A Monumental Undertaking
The Maha Kumbha Mela 2025 is expected to attract over 400 million visitors. Key dates include Makar Sankranti Snaan (January 15), Mauni Amavasya Snaan (January 29), and Maha Shivratri Snaan (February 26). Held once every 144 years in Prayagraj, the event represents the pinnacle of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
As reported by multiple news sources, this initiative demonstrates the potential for spiritual organizations and corporate entities to collaborate in addressing societal needs. The Adani Group and ISKCON have set a precedent for large-scale partnerships that merge devotion with modern efficiency.
A Unified Vision of Service
The Mahaprasad Seva initiative underscores the universal value of seva, transcending boundaries of faith, geography, and social status. By feeding millions prasadam, providing accessibility services, and distributing spiritual literature, ISKCON and the Adani Group exemplify the transformative power of unity in service.
This collaboration represents a significant milestone for the Maha Kumbha Mela and exemplifies how dedication to humanity and devotion to The Supreme Personality of Godhead Krishna can coexist in harmony. Readers can follow Jaya Vijaya’s Facebook page for daily videos and photos from the event.
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