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Annapurna Kitchens Halt Prasad Service Amid LPG Crisis
15 Mar
Summary
- Famous Annapurna food courts feeding 25,000 daily temporarily closed.
- First-ever shutdown in decades due to an LPG shortage.
- Alternative fuel sources like diesel and coal are being explored.
Varanasi's revered Goddess Annapurna Annakshetras have temporarily suspended their services, an unprecedented event in their decades-long history. The food courts, which usually provide meals for approximately 25,000 individuals daily, were forced to close on Saturday owing to an LPG shortage. This marks the first time their kitchens have ceased operations, even during the challenging Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.
Temple mahant Shankar Puri stated that arrangements are being explored, including the use of diesel stoves and coal, to recommence food distribution. The Kashi Annapurna Annakshetra Trust's modular kitchens rely on LPG. Before the closure on Saturday, about 3,000 pilgrims were served meals. The ongoing energy crisis, partly triggered by the war in West Asia, impacted supply despite initial efforts to secure LPG until Thursday.
While pilgrims and seers expressed disappointment, the three Annakshetras at Kashi Vishwanath Dham continued their operations without interruption, serving Prasad as usual. These facilities are capable of providing 14,000 thalis daily. The demand for food has notably increased since the rejuvenation of Kashi Vishwanath Dham in late 2021.
