Philanthropist and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy visited the Maha Kumbha in Prayagraj for three days and participated in the Mahaprasad Seva at the ISKCON camp. Dressed in a green sari and carrying a black bag, she was seen offering chapatis to devotees.
Online videos show Murthy exploring the ISKCON Mahaprasadam kitchen, talking to volunteers and learning how to prepare food with modern equipment.
She came to Kumbha to perform Tharpan, a ritual of honoring one's ancestors, and took holy bath at Triveni Sangam.
“I have been here for three days, I went down to the altar yesterday, I am doing it today, and I will do it again tomorrow.. My maternal grandfather, maternal grandmother, grandfather, none of these could come – that is why I have to sacrifice. Their name is tarpan and I am very happy,” she said.
She also praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. “All the people have done a lot of good work here under Yogi Ji's leadership. I wish them long life”.
Further, she described the Great Kumbh as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “This 'Theerthraj' (The highest sacred place). “Maha Kumbhaya is coming after 144 years, I am very happy and excited to be here,” she said.
The Adani Group, working with ISKCON, provides Mahaprasad to more than 40,000 devotees daily. The kitchen in sector 19 of Prayagraj has boilers and machines capable of producing 10,000 loaves of bread every hour.
Sudha Murthy was not the only influential person to participate in the Great Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj. Lauren Powell Jobs, wife of Apple founder Steve Jobs, veteran actor Anupam Kher and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani also attended the mega gathering.
On Tuesday, Adani visited Maha Kumbha with his family. He was accompanied by his wife and Adani Foundation Chairperson Preeti Adani and his son and Adani Ports and SEZ Managing Director Karan Adani.
Since the Maha Kumbhaya began on January 13, nearly 87.9 million pilgrims have taken the holy dip as of January 20.