Prayagraj, Feb 3 (PTI) – In a heartfelt display of hospitality, residents of Prayagraj organized large-scale Bhandaras(community feasts) on Monday for devotees returning from the third Amrit Snan of the Maha Kumbh on Basant Panchami.
Stalls serving traditional meals such as puri-sabzi and kadhi-chawal were set up along key routes leading to railway stations and bus terminals, ensuring that pilgrims departed with a fulfilling meal.
Devendra Pratap Singh, a member of the Singh family hosting a Bhandara near Jawahar Bal Bhavan on the way to Prayagraj Junction, expressed the family's intent behind the initiative. “We did not want anyone to leave our city hungry. That’s why our family decided to organize this feast,” he said. The distribution began at 9 AM and was planned to continue until the evening.
Similarly, Dr. Anuj Gupta of Preeti Nursing Home in George Town shared his sentiments about contributing to the noble cause. “We remain occupied with patient care throughout the year and hardly find time for charity or religious rituals. By serving the pilgrims, we feel we are making up for it,” he stated. His stall served breakfast delicacies such as soan papdiand poha.
In another part of the city, Anand Agarwal coordinated a biscuit and tea distribution outside Allahabad University. Collaborating with Sanjay Light House, he procured 100 boxes of Parle-G biscuits to offer to the pilgrims.
Kuldeep Chaurasia, popularly known as Billu Badshah, led a Bhandara in Naya Bairhana, serving kadhi-chawal to visitors. Addressing concerns about Prayagraj’s image following the incident on Mauni Amavasya, he emphasized the importance of providing a positive experience for pilgrims. “We want more people to visit during Maghi Purnima and Mahashivratri, just like Basant Panchami. Pilgrims will encourage others to visit Prayagraj only if they have a good experience. Our city has a big heart, and we are ensuring that no one leaves here hungry,” he remarked.
The community-driven initiative underscored Prayagraj’s deep-rooted tradition of hospitality, ensuring that the spirit of Maha Kumbh remains alive through acts of generosity and service.
Stalls serving traditional meals such as puri-sabzi and kadhi-chawal were set up along key routes leading to railway stations and bus terminals, ensuring that pilgrims departed with a fulfilling meal.
Devendra Pratap Singh, a member of the Singh family hosting a Bhandara near Jawahar Bal Bhavan on the way to Prayagraj Junction, expressed the family's intent behind the initiative. “We did not want anyone to leave our city hungry. That’s why our family decided to organize this feast,” he said. The distribution began at 9 AM and was planned to continue until the evening.
Similarly, Dr. Anuj Gupta of Preeti Nursing Home in George Town shared his sentiments about contributing to the noble cause. “We remain occupied with patient care throughout the year and hardly find time for charity or religious rituals. By serving the pilgrims, we feel we are making up for it,” he stated. His stall served breakfast delicacies such as soan papdiand poha.
In another part of the city, Anand Agarwal coordinated a biscuit and tea distribution outside Allahabad University. Collaborating with Sanjay Light House, he procured 100 boxes of Parle-G biscuits to offer to the pilgrims.
Kuldeep Chaurasia, popularly known as Billu Badshah, led a Bhandara in Naya Bairhana, serving kadhi-chawal to visitors. Addressing concerns about Prayagraj’s image following the incident on Mauni Amavasya, he emphasized the importance of providing a positive experience for pilgrims. “We want more people to visit during Maghi Purnima and Mahashivratri, just like Basant Panchami. Pilgrims will encourage others to visit Prayagraj only if they have a good experience. Our city has a big heart, and we are ensuring that no one leaves here hungry,” he remarked.
The community-driven initiative underscored Prayagraj’s deep-rooted tradition of hospitality, ensuring that the spirit of Maha Kumbh remains alive through acts of generosity and service.
