Bandara, an offering of food to the monks

The babas come to the festival with very little of anything. They are simple people without expectation. When you see the joy on their faces, the power of their lives can inspire us to reach the heights.
 

What is a bandara?

All of the members, young and old, lend a hand to prepare, a great feast or Maha Bandara (making the fire pit, tentmaking, cleaning up, gathering firewood, etc.) but only the most dedicated monks will help to cook the food. Working late into the night, they make only pure vegetarian or"satvic" food, considered best for a calm, clear mind and easier to meditate with. Tonight they are preparing a delicious meal consisting of many kinds of vegetables, breads and sweets. One of the purposes of attending the Kumba Mela is to offer seva or free service to those who may need this. Cooks stay up all night in preparation. In spite of their fatigue, they still are full of zest to serve the food to each guest individually and experience the great joy of giving. Those who donate money to sponsor the feast are also doing a form of seva.

 
Dozens of special feasts, or mahabandaras are held simultaneously each day throughout the Kumba Mela, by the thousands of ashram groups. 5,000 monks have been specially invited to attend this maha bandara. Gurus and leaders of neighboring ashrams are given special places of honor by the front.
Monks and families associated with the ashram are seated in the main tent while guests and devotees overflow the gigantic outdoor area, decorated with long rows of temple flags representing the various traditions. Plates are even provided for beggars and those in need just outside the tent area. The special guests are asked to address the group. Only after the gurus have offerred their wisdom and are themselves seated will the horn be sounded for the monks to eat.
 
We also enjoyed the feast...