Bhandara at Shri Dada Dev Mandir, Palam: A Day of Devotion, Service & Community Empowerment
On the sacred day of 18th August 2024, the Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation (SAS Foundation) had the profound honor of organizing a Bhandara (community meal) at the revered Shri Dada Dev Mandir, located in Palam, Delhi. This spiritually significant initiative was not only an offering of nourishment to devotees but also a tribute to tradition, community, and selfless service in one of the holiest months of the Hindu calendar — Sawan.
Shri Dada Dev Ji Maharaj: The Gram Devta of 12 Villages
Shri Dada Dev Ji Maharaj holds a place of immense reverence among the people of Delhi and surrounding regions. Recognized as the Gram Devta (village deity) of twelve prominent villages — Palam, Shahbad, Bagdola, Nasirpur, Bindapur, Dabri, Asalatpur, Goyala Gaon, Matiala, Baprola, Poothkala, and Nangalrai — the temple of Shri Dada Dev is not just a spiritual hub but a living center of cultural identity, unity, and ancestral pride.
Devotees from these villages and beyond regularly visit the shrine to seek blessings, offer prayers, and express gratitude. Sundays, in particular, are considered auspicious for worshipping Shri Dada Dev Ji Maharaj, with traditional offerings of gud (jaggery) symbolizing purity, devotion, and abundance.
The Purpose and Significance of the Bhandara
The Bhandara organized by SAS Foundation was much more than just a community meal. It was an act of sewa (service), devotion, and community support — an effort to uplift spirits, bring people together, and ensure that no devotee walks away hungry during their spiritual journey.
This initiative was especially important during the holy month of Sawan, which holds great significance in Hinduism. Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and thousands of devotees undertake the Kanwar Yatra, carrying sacred water from the Ganges to Shiva temples. The journey is long and often physically demanding, with many pilgrims walking hundreds of kilometers barefoot. In such times, a warm, nourishing meal is not just food — it becomes a vital part of the pilgrim’s spiritual and physical sustenance.
Through this Bhandara, SAS Foundation aimed to support these journeys — not only by providing prasadam (sanctified food) but also by creating a welcoming, inclusive, and spiritually uplifting environment.
Sacred Start: Bhog and Blessings
The event commenced with the Bhog, or the first sacred offering to Shri Dada Dev Ji Maharaj, as a mark of respect and devotion. The air was filled with chants, prayers, and a palpable sense of peace and energy as devotees gathered under the temple’s sacred roof.
Once the Bhog was completed, the Bhandara was officially opened to the public. What followed was a beautiful expression of service in action, where volunteers, donors, and organizers worked together seamlessly to serve the masses with humility and devotion.
Impact in Numbers: 2,500+ Served in 2.5 Hours
In a span of just two and a half hours, the Foundation was able to serve approximately 2,500 people. It was a heartwarming sight to witness the steady flow of devotees being welcomed with respect and offered food with love. From the elderly to children, from Kanwariyas to local residents — everyone was treated with the same affection and reverence.
The Bhandara ensured that no one left without receiving food, living up to the core values of inclusivity, respect, and seva that the SAS Foundation stands for.
Behind the Scenes: Volunteer Dedication & Community Support
This entire event was made possible by the unwavering dedication of individuals who embody the spirit of service. A special mention goes to Shri Ram Dhari Ji and Shri Gaurav Agarwal, CSM Ji, whose active participation and tireless coordination played a critical role in the smooth execution of the Bhandara.
Their involvement reflects a larger movement within SAS Foundation — where leadership doesn’t mean standing apart, but standing together, shoulder-to-shoulder with the community.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all the donors — individuals and families — who generously contributed towards the cause. Your financial and material support helped us organize the Bhandara on such a large scale. Every donation, big or small, translated into meals served and smiles shared.
The Spirit of Sawan: A Month of Devotion and Giving
The month of Sawan (Shravan) is one of the most sacred periods in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that prayers, fasts, and acts of kindness performed during Sawan are multiplied in merit. Thousands of devotees observe fasts, visit temples, and participate in spiritual events like the Kanwar Yatra, carrying holy water to offer to Lord Shiva.
Organizing a Bhandara during Sawan is, therefore, both an act of religious significance and social responsibility. It aligns with the broader spiritual ethos of selfless service, collective well-being, and deep reverence for tradition.
More Than Just Food: Nourishing Bodies and Souls
While food was at the center of the Bhandara, the event was equally about emotional nourishment, human connection, and spiritual growth. Many devotees expressed how grateful they were for the warm hospitality, the cleanliness, and the sense of peace that the event offered.
The team’s meticulous attention to hygiene, coordination, and warmth in communication made the experience not just about receiving food, but about feeling valued, respected, and uplifted.
SAS Foundation’s Mission in Action
At Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation, we believe that upliftment of communities begins with service, and service begins with empathy. This Bhandara reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering social equity, cultural preservation, and spiritual harmony.
From organizing health camps to legal awareness sessions, from environmental initiatives to food distribution drives, our Foundation’s mission is grounded in empowering individuals and nurturing communities through compassionate action.
A Heartfelt Thank You
🙏 Our deepest gratitude goes out to each and every individual who helped make this Bhandara a grand success — the donors, the volunteers, the temple authorities, and the devotees. Your presence, your contributions, and your goodwill turned this event into a celebration of humanity, divinity, and unity.
Moving Forward with Hope and Service
As we continue our journey through Sawan and beyond, let this event be a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together in service of others. One meal, one smile, one act of kindness — they all matter. Let us continue to spread compassion, preserve our traditions, and build resilient, self-reliant communities.
Together, through devotion and dedication, we will keep making a difference.
With faith, hope, and gratitude,
Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation
Empowering Communities with Compassion
