Maa Chandrika Devi Temple pivots to firewood for Navratri bhandara in Lucknow amid reported LPG shortage
Lucknow, March 26
Amid reported shortage of LPG due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, food at the Maa Chandrika Devi Temple in Lucknow is being prepared over a wood fire for the Bhandara during Chaitra Navratri.
Shivraj Singh, also known as Bhandari Baba, said, "Earlier, we used to cook the Bhandara using LPG, but due to a shortage of gas, we have shifted to cooking on wood fire. We prepare prasadam for around 1,000 devotees daily. Currently, two stoves are in use, and we are continuing this arrangement for about 15 days and will do the entire Navratri."
He added that members of the temple committee have been making necessary efforts to ensure uninterrupted food service for devotees during the festival.
On the eighth day of Chaitra Navratri, Devotees cross India flocked to temples to offer prayers on the occasion of Maha Ashtami during Chaitra Navratri, seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness.
Meanwhile, on the issue of the LPG situation, on Wednesday, the Petroleum Ministry said that the Centre is prioritising Piped Natural Gas (PNG), while noting that there is adequate petrol and diesel available and the fuel prices have not changed.
Addressing the Inter-Ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted that the government is ensuring 100 per cent domestic PNG supply and has issued a notification, streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, and developing the natural gas infrastructure.
The Centre has conducted 2700 raids and seized 2,000 cylinders amid black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday said that they have permitted the passage of vessels for friendly countries, including India, through the Strait of Hormuz.
Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai said in a post, "Iran FM Abbas Araghchi: We permitted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for friendly nations including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan."
As of Thursday, at least five vessels with their end destination in India have safely transited through the Strait of Hormuz. Two of these vessels, the Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, are expected to dock by the end of the week.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the temple's effort is commendable, this LPG shortage is worrying for common households. The government says there's adequate supply, but why are there raids and black marketing? My mother in Ghaziabad is waiting for her cylinder for 10 days now. Hope the situation improves soon.
Good to see the focus on PNG infrastructure. It's a cleaner and more reliable fuel in the long run. But the transition needs to be faster, especially for religious institutions and small businesses. The geopolitical issues affecting the Strait of Hormuz show why we need energy independence.
Visiting India during Navratri has been an incredible experience. The resilience and faith on display are inspiring. The temple adapting like this shows how community spirit overcomes logistical hurdles. Wishing all the devotees a blessed Navratri.
Wood fire cooking for bhandara is actually quite traditional. Many old-timers will say the taste is better! It's a temporary setback, but the festival spirit is intact. Jai Maa Chandrika Devi! The government's action against black marketers is a necessary step.
The report says Iran is allowing passage for friendly nations including India. This is a crucial diplomatic channel that must be kept open. Our energy security depends on stable relations in the Gulf. The 2700 raids show the domestic supply chain also needs stricter monitoring.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.