New Delhi (Agency): The ISKCON Bhiwandi temple, renowned for its dedication to Annadaan (free food distribution), has devised special plans to celebrate the upcoming festival of Sri Krishna Janmashtami on September 7th. As part of the festivities, the temple is providing a total of 1 lakh free meals to those in need in and around the town of Bhiwandi from August 28th to September 7th, 2023.
Sri Sudama Das, a resident monk of the temple, emphasized the significance of bringing auspiciousness to the lives of the needy during festivals. He highlighted that the founder of ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada, envisioned that no one within a 10km radius of their temples should go hungry. This year’s Janmashtami maha-annadaan will utilize over 6000 kgs of grains, 3000 kgs of vegetables, 1500 kgs of sugar, 1000 liters of ghee, and 500 kgs of fruits.
The temple’s commitment to free food distribution has been on a steady rise. In 2020, they distributed 2.7 lakh free meals, which increased to 5.6 lakhs in 2021 and 10 lakhs in 2022.
Under its ‘Food For Life’ initiative, ISKCON Bhiwandi has been providing 1000 free meals daily since March 2020 to migrant workers and daily wage laborers, constituting 60% of the town’s population. Even during challenging periods such as lockdowns, the temple continued to prepare and distribute free meals to those in need.
‘Food For Life’ is a global vegetarian food distribution program by ISKCON, serving millions of meals daily across more than 60 countries.
Beyond food distribution, the temple has also organized online sessions to address mental health management through meditation and chanting based on the Bhagavad Gita. These sessions aim to help individuals connect with themselves and find inner peace through meditation and chanting the name of Krishna.
Located in the Mansarovar area of Bhiwandi, ISKCON BHIWANDI has been actively engaged with local communities since its establishment in 2010. It has conducted spiritual, religious, and welfare activities, promoting the Vedic way of life. As an extension of the revered ISKCON Juhu temple, ISKCON Bhiwandi has become a source of solace and support for devotees and locals, contributing to their well-being through various initiatives.