In a significant initiative to aid pilgrims and workers, the renowned community kitchen organization 'Om Namah Shivaya' has launched a first-of-its-kind emergency food delivery service for the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj. This service is designed to provide meals on request to both devotees visiting the holy Sangam and the numerous employees working across the vast mela campus.
Four Decades of Service Expands with On-Demand Delivery
For the past forty years, 'Om Namah Shivaya' has been a pillar of sustenance, serving countless devotees during major religious gatherings like the Magh Mela, Ardh Kumbh, and Maha Kumbh. Building on this legacy, the organization has now introduced a modern, responsive system to meet immediate needs. Shivam, the manager of the Om Namah Shivaya camp, announced that a dedicated mobile number has been issued for this specific purpose.
Anyone within the Magh Mela area—be it a devotee, a saint, or an employee from any department—can now call this number. They simply need to specify their location and the number of people requiring food. The organization has committed to delivering the meals to the specified spot within half an hour of receiving the request.
Fleet of E-Rickshaws to Power the Service
To execute this prompt delivery promise, the community kitchen has invested in a fleet of 20 battery-operated auto-rickshaws. Five of these eco-friendly food vehicles are already operational at the camp situated in the Magh Mela grounds. The remaining 15 vehicles are expected to join the service by Paush Purnima on January 3, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Shivam explained that these vehicles will be used to transport hot, freshly prepared meals directly to the callers. The menu is both extensive and traditional, offering devotees a variety of dishes round the clock. Available food items include:
- Roti, Puri, Kachori, and Dosa
- Sabzi, Dal, Kadhi, and Tehri
- Rice, Raita, and Boondi
- Sweet treats like Rasgulla
Round-the-Clock Kitchens at Strategic Locations
The emergency service is backed by community kitchens that will operate day and night at several key points across the mela area. This ensures a reduced delivery time and wider reach. The major service points include:
- Lal Sadak in the Parade area
- In front of Ramdeshik Sanskrit Vidyalaya in Daraganj
- Near Qila Chowk and the Mela administration office
- On Sangam Upper Marg and near Minto Park on Triveni Road
This innovative step by 'Om Namah Shivaya' seamlessly blends decades of devotional service with modern logistical solutions. It addresses the immediate need for nourishment among the massive transient population at the Magh Mela, ensuring that no devotee or hard-working staff member goes hungry while attending to their spiritual or professional duties at the banks of the Ganga.
