The Mahaprasad Seva food service project at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has set new performance standards in food distribution by combining efforts from the Adani Group and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Since its start on January 13, 2025, the food service has successfully reduced waste to an astounding minimum of 2% while serving about one lakh devotees daily.
The distribution and preparation functions of the Mahaprasad are coordinated by ISKCON kitchens which operate with the help of 2,500 devoted volunteers. ISKCON operates this program to nourish and serve the countless pilgrims at the Mela in addition to reducing food waste amounts to a minimum.
Meticulous Planning Ensures Smooth Operations
At 2 am every morning the food preparation begins and the kitchen purchases approximately 500 quintals of vegetables for the daily service needs. The daily Mahaprasad menu at ISKCON kitchen is decided in advance by Nikhil who manages the kitchen operation as an ISKCON volunteer.
The average devotee consumes around 750 grams of food when seated in a designated eating space but uses between 350 and 400 grams for standing or walking throughout the temple complex. The Mahaprasad Seva service starts at 7 am to maintain ongoing updates about food stock and regular usage until the end of the day.
Redistribution of Unused Food to Avoid Waste
At the end of each day, any leftover food is collected from distribution points and brought back to the central kitchen. Between 6-7 pm, this food undergoes a quality check before being redistributed to other devotees. If food transportation is delayed due to heavy traffic or congestion, the unused food is distributed among stranded devotees or those walking on foot. This strategy ensures that minimal food is wasted, and it reaches as many devotees as possible.
The success of the Mahaprasad Seva initiative depends on the organised involvement of Adani and ISKCON volunteers who work to manage large-scale feedings while reducing food wastage.
