Uttar Pradesh’s Maa Ki Rasoi, launched by CM Yogi Adityanath, offers nutritious meals for just Rs 9 to support economically weaker sections. Operating at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Prayagraj, the community kitchen serves pilgrims and hospital visitors, especially during Maha Kumbh 2025. The initiative ensures hygiene, affordability, and quality, benefiting thousands with wholesome meals.
UP’s Maa Ki Rasoi: Nourishing the Needy at Rs 9
Inauguration and Purpose: On January 10, 2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Maa Ki Rasoi, a community kitchen at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Prayagraj, aimed at providing affordable meals to economically weaker sections. The initiative, operated by Nandi Sewa Sansthan, supports hospital visitors and pilgrims attending Maha Kumbh 2025.
Affordable and Nutritious Meals: For just Rs 9, Maa Ki Rasoi offers a full meal including dal, four rotis, vegetables, rice, salad, and a dessert. This pricing ensures accessibility for the poor, addressing food insecurity for families of patients and devotees at the Maha Kumbh. The kitchen’s modern, air-conditioned setup can seat 150 people at a time.
Hygiene and Quality Standards: CM Yogi personally inspected the kitchen, praising its cleanliness and food quality. The 2,000-square-foot facility adheres to high hygiene standards, ensuring safe and wholesome meals. Adityanath also served food to attendees during the inauguration, emphasizing the initiative’s community-driven spirit.
Support for Maha Kumbh 2025: Launched ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela (January 13 to February 26, 2025), Maa Ki Rasoi caters to millions of pilgrims visiting Prayagraj. The initiative aligns with the state’s efforts to make the event accessible, with additional facilities like Kumbhvani Radio for real-time updates.
Impact and Beneficiaries: The kitchen primarily serves families of patients at SRN Hospital and Maha Kumbh attendees, addressing the challenge of affordable food for those traveling for medical care or religious purposes. Nandi Sewa Sansthan highlighted its role in easing the burden on low-income families.
Broader Context of Community Kitchens: Maa Ki Rasoi is part of a growing trend of affordable meal initiatives in India, like Sai Ki Rasoi in Begusarai and Madhu Ki Rasoi in Mathura, which provide low-cost or free meals to the underprivileged, reflecting a collective push for food security.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from sources like The Times of India, The Hindu, and India TV. Information is accurate as of September 2, 2025, and subject to updates as new developments emerge.