Pasta, pizza, momos: Kanwar camps serve a fusion of modern flavours
Undertaking the arduous Kanwar yatra calls for perseverance besides devotion. Regardless of the demanding schedule, Kanwariyas take part in this journey every year, and they are provided nourishing and tasty vegetarian fare along the route.
During the ongoing yatra, from pasta and pizza to momos and shahi paneer, and from traditional puri-roti-sabzi to contemporary snacks, all prepared without onion and garlic, are being served at several Kanwar camps between Meerut and Delhi — a striking blend of the traditional and the contemporary.
As per the menu, early morning snacks include tea, biscuits, poha, and jalebi. The breakfast spread includes samosas, kachoris, bread pakoras, vegetable hakka noodles, and honey chilli potatoes. Lunch features dishes like shahi paneer, kadhai paneer, paneer lababdar, dal makhani, and mixed vegetables, served with chur-chur naan, butter naan, jeera rice, and rotis. Sweet dishes such as rabri-jalebi, rasmalai, rasgulla and gulab jamun complement the main course. For evening snacks, pilgrims are served spring rolls, chilli paneer, manchurian, white and red sauce pasta, vegetable pizza, momos, macaroni, soup, and burgers.
The dinner spread has chhole-puri, matar paneer, pulao, dal and rotis, along with kheer, halwa, fruit custard, and gulab jamun. The camps also ensure a continuous supply of lassi, buttermilk, juice, tea, coffee, and cold drinking water. At the Kankarkheda Vyapar Sangh camp in Meerut, a machine capable of kneading 20 kg of dough at once and an automatic roti-making machine have been installed, said coordinator Neeraj Mittal and operations manager Rajesh Khanna.
The machine produces approximately 16 rotis per minute and around 900 per hour, with a daily output of 6,000 to 7,000 rotis. Machines are also being used to chop vegetables and prepare spices in bulk to help prepare meals for thousands of devotees in a short span of time.
Sudhir Rastogi, a member of the organising team at the Modipuram camp, said that special fasting-friendly meals (falahar) have been arranged for Kanwariyas who are fasting. Dishes made from buckwheat (kuttu) and water chestnut (singhara) flour, potato curry, seasonal fruits, and other fasting-appropriate foods are being provided.
After their long journey, devotees are also served hot kesar doodh (saffron-infused milk) in traditional kulhads (clay cups) to help them replenish their energy.
This time, many camps have been made completely plastic-free. Stainless steel utensils are being used to serve food instead of plastic or thermocol plates.
Overall hygiene at serving stations and a clean environment aim to convey a message of environmental conservation during the Kanwar Yatra.
Amit Murti, organiser of the ‘Maa Kanwar Seva Camp’, said that their objective is not merely to provide food, but to make the journey of the Shiv devotees safe, pleasant, and memorable. Camp organisers noted that standards regarding food quality, hygiene, and safety are being strictly followed in accordance with the UP-Government’s guidelines.
On Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed Kanwariyas in Meerut by showering them with flower petals, and said the devotees of Lord Shiva who are walking hundreds of kilometres present an example of social and national unity. Standing on a specially erected platform, Adityanath, along with BJP leaders, showered rose petals on the passing Kanwariyas near the Dulhera police outpost in the Modipuram area.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the Kanwar Seva Camp near the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh (Apsara) border at Dilshad Garden, where she welcomed Shiv devotees and honoured them by showering flower petals. During her visit, she interacted with the devotees to inquire about their journey and camp arrangements, wishing everyone a blissful, safe, and successful Kanwar Yatra.
She inquired about essential facilities such as food, drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, rest, and other basic amenities provided to the devotees, while also interacting with the dedicated camp organisers and volunteers. She stated that the ongoing efforts across various locations in Delhi to serve and welcome Shiv devotees reflect a beautiful example of community service and religious devotion.
