For over 450 years, the colossal Badi Deg cauldron at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah temple complex in Rajasthan, India, has been continuously used to prepare and distribute free meals to the poor. Gifted by Emperor Akbar of the Mughal dynasty in 1569 after his prayers for an heir were answered, the cauldron stands as a symbol of sharing and religious equality.
The Badi Deg cauldron can cook between 4,800 and 5,000 kg of food each time, serving tens of thousands of people. Within the temple grounds, a second, smaller cauldron, the Choti Deg, prepares approximately 2,400 kg.
To ensure people from all religions and social classes can partake, the food prepared in the cauldron is entirely vegetarian. Main ingredients include rice, vegetable oil, sugar, and saffron, combined with dried nuts like almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins. After cooking, devotees perform a prayer ritual, and the food is then distributed free of charge.
Blogger Joe HaTTab observed locals donating money to cook and distribute food for the poor. They believe this act of charity brings good fortune to their families and fulfills wishes.
Blogger Joe HaTTab raised hygiene concerns after witnessing individuals stepping into the cauldron to scoop food. However, locals assured him they have consumed the food for years without any incidents of food poisoning.
By Hoai Anh (Based on reports by Joe HaTTab and Khwaja Garib Nawaz Foundation)
