The sacred triangle turns green: How faith and how Moak Bang change the menu’s “pure vegetables”
This transformation is not only symbolic, but also strategic. Take Sanjha Chulha, a popular station on the Varanasi-Lucknow motorway, once known for its abundant non-vegetarian fare. Prior to Mahakumbh, owner Sanjeev Jaiswal noticed a decline in potential clients’ interest. In response, he made a bold decision to be vegetarian. The move paid off – a 45-day event and beyond, the restaurant was busy with pilgrims seeking meals that matched their spiritual journey.
According to a report by the Times of India, vegetarians are in the sacred triangle of Kashgar in Uttar Pradesh and the culture after Mahakumbh’s triangularism.
“Rejuvenated by the large temple project, Kashgar, Ayodhya and the sacred triangle of culture, has seen its culinary landscape undergo a transformation not determined by a chef or a connoisseur, but by the faith itself. Two phrases – ‘pure veg’ or ‘shakahari’ report claims.
The paper cites the example of “Sanjha Chulha”. According to reports, restaurants on the Varanasi-Lucknow Highway have been an essential for lovers with rich, meaty dishes for nearly 25 years. But when Maha Kumbh approached, owner Sanjeev Jaiswal found his prospects hesitated, forcing his agency to become a “pure vegetable” before Kumbh Mela began.
“It turns out that this move is nothing more than a master. During the 45-day event and beyond, the restaurant, along with the pilgrims, longed for a meal that was consistent with their spiritual travel,” said the report. Consolidation through the completion of the Vindhyachal Corridor. This spiritual circuit not only redefines the route of pilgrimage, but also has a significant impact on regional food preferences. “Now, more than 80% of visitors are pilgrims, most of whom prefer vegetarian food.”
Even hotels that cater to international tourists feel a change. Rajiv Rai, general manager of a well-known Varanasi hotel, said that the 50:50 distribution between vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences among domestic tourists has shifted to a ratio of 80:20, while the ratio to vegetarianism has shifted.
Ayodhya witnessed an almost complete culinary transformation. Restaurants that once offer a variety of menus are already completely vegetarian. Even global chains like Domino’s have positioned their products to offer only vegetarian food in the region.
Large commercial hubs followed suit. Atul Singh, owner of Avadh shopping mall in Ayodhya, confirmed that its food court has been completely transferred to a vegetarian diet.
Vishal, the owner of the newly opened Maan Awadh hotel, initially hired a Delhi chef known for his meat dishes and could only replace him with vegetarian experts in order to get guests’ expectations to meet expectations.
During Mahakumbh, the most dramatic changes were seen in Prayagraj, even in the household kitchen without meat. Harjinder Singh, president of the Prayagraj Hotel and Restaurant Welfare Association, said that in religious activities, nearly 80-85% of hotels and restaurants have become vegetarian. According to TOI, the city’s 400 restaurants and 280 hotels, including street vendors, usually accept vegetarian menus.
While some restaurants in Prayagraj have since restored their original menus, the broader shift seems to last. “Long-term transformation is undeniable,” the report concluded.
