Adani Group Extends Seva from Maha Kumbh Mela to Puri Rath Yatra
Following a significant volunteer-driven food distribution effort at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj earlier this year, the Adani Group has now turned its attention to one of India’s most sacred festivals — the Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha.
The Grand Rath Yatra Festival in Puri
Held annually at the Lord Jagannath Temple, the nine-day Rath Yatra draws millions of devotees from across India and abroad. This year, from June 26 to July 8, organizers and volunteers are ensuring pilgrims have a smooth and safe experience during this vibrant procession.
Massive Seva Initiative: Serving Nearly 4 Million Meals and Drinks
True to chairman Gautam Adani’s motto, ‘Seva Hi Sadhana Hai’ (Service is Worship), the Adani Group is spearheading a broad-ranging seva program during the event. Their support includes:
- Close to 4 million free meals and beverages distributed to pilgrims and frontline officials
- Dedicated food counters offering nutritious meals across Puri
- Beverage stalls set up to provide refreshing drinks in Odisha’s heat
- Support for lifeguards associated with the Puri Beach Lifeguard Mahasangha
- Organized beach clean-up drives tackling plastic waste
- Provision of free T-shirts to volunteers, along with fluorescent safety vests for municipal workers
- Distribution of jackets, raincoats, caps, and umbrellas for officials and devotees
Collaborative Efforts and Cultural Commitment
This extensive seva campaign is a collaboration between the Adani Group, the Puri district administration, ISKCON, and local volunteers. It builds on the Adani Foundation’s ongoing work in Odisha, which spans healthcare, education, and livelihood development.
For the group, corporate social responsibility transcends traditional sectors like infrastructure and healthcare — increasingly, it reflects a wholehearted engagement with India’s spiritual and cultural fabric. Rather than merely sponsoring, the organization actively participates as a seva-focused entity.
From Kumbh to Rath Yatra: Continuity in Service
Earlier this year, the Adani Group played a pivotal role in feeding and assisting pilgrims during the 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela, working alongside ISKCON and Gita Press. Chairman Gautam Adani himself participated in the service, underlining the group’s core belief that social service is central, not peripheral.
While the scale of Kumbh Mela is enormous, sources describe the Rath Yatra as more intimate yet logistically complex. The energy may be different, but the commitment to serve is just as intense.
A Vision Grounded in Culture, Compassion, and Community
The Adani Group’s involvement in the Rath Yatra underscores a holistic approach to development—one deeply rooted in India’s cultural heritage and collective well-being.
Much of the planning is coordinated months in advance with local partners. Volunteers come from within the group and the local community, with experienced coordinators ensuring seamless execution and long-term engagement with the region.
