In the Bhakti tradition, food is not seen as an ordinary nourishment alone — it is sanctified food also known as prasadam, a Sanskrit word meaning “mercy” or “kripa.”

At ISKCON, prasadam is lovingly prepared and shared with visitors during festivals, Sunday feasts, and daily worship.

Before devotees eat, the food is first offered to Krishna with prayers, love and devotion. According to Bhagavad-gita, Krishna accepts offerings made with love, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, and sweets. Once offered, the food becomes prasadam — spiritually blessed food.

For devotees, preparing and sharing prasadam is an important part of bhakti yoga, or devotional service. The food(bhoga) is cooked with care, cleanliness, and gratitude, creating not only a nourishing meal but also a spiritual experience.

Prasadam is meant to nourish:

• the body,

• the mind,

• and the soul.

Many people describe feeling a sense of peace, warmth, and happiness while honouring prasadam in a spiritual atmosphere filled with kirtan and devotion.

One of the beautiful aspects of prasadam is that it is shared freely with everyone, regardless of background, nationality, or belief. In this way, food becomes a way of expressing compassion, community, and spiritual love.

Through prasadam, even a simple meal becomes an opportunity to remember Krishna and experience a deeper connection with him.