Anna Danam - ISKCON Nellore

At ISKCON Nellore, Anna Dānam (food donation) is practiced through its association with the Annamrita–Food for Life initiative, which is ISKCON’s global vegetarian food relief program. Inspired by Srila Prabhupada’s vision that “no one within ten miles of an ISKCON temple should go hungry,” the Nellore chapter serves approximately 25,000 meals per day, feeding children in schools through the Mid-day Meal scheme in collaboration with government agencies. Started in October 2008, the Annamrita Nellore Chapter operates a high-capacity centralized kitchen (~1,00,000 meals capacity) on a 1.5-acre campus, distributing nutritious, sattvic meals to underprivileged children across more than 115 schools daily. The service is non‑sectarian—meals are offered regardless of caste, creed, gender, or religion. Anna Dānam is considered the most precious charity in Sanatan Dharma, believed to bestow spiritual purification, societal welfare, and welfare for both giver and receiver. By supporting this seva, devotees help uphold dharmic values, nourish communities, and fulfill a profound spiritual mandate of compassion. 

Anna Dānam Puja begins with achamanam (purification) and sankalpam, where the devotee takes a vow to donate food selflessly. A kalash (water pot) with mango leaves and coconut is placed as a symbol of auspiciousness. The area where the food will be prepared or distributed is cleaned and sanctified. A small puja is performed by lighting a diya, offering incense (dhoop), flowers, akshat (rice), and naivedyam (offering) to Lord Vishnu or Krishna. Mantras such as "Annadāna mahā-dānam" and Sri Vishnu Sahasranama may be chanted.Before distribution, the food is offered mentally to the Lord (naivedya) and then served with devotion to beneficiaries, ideally with humility and respect. Donors may also offer prayers for world peace and well-being of all beings. The act concludes with aarti and prasadam distribution. Performing Anna Dānam with devotion is said to purify karma and bring divine blessings of abundance and spiritual merit.