On New Year’s Day 2026, approximately four hundred devotees assembled at ISKCON Plainfield, New Jersey, to honor a traditional Śrī Jagannātha Purī–style Mahāprasāda buffet consisting of fifteen courses.
This annual New Year Śrī Jagannātha Purī–style feast, organized by ISKCON of Central New Jersey (ICNJ), has been conducted for nearly a decade. Even during the year of the COVID pandemic, the devoted volunteers of ICNJ faithfully maintained this sacred tradition. In 2021, they prepared and distributed takeaway Mahāprasāda meals of more than ten courses for hundreds of devotees who had pre-ordered, thus enabling them to begin the new year by honoring the mercy of Śrī Jagannātha Mahāprasāda.
This year’s fifteen-course offering featured a variety of traditional delicacies, including dahibara, ghanta, kāṇikā, khajā, malpua, ariśā, and khāṭā. As the time for honoring prasāda arrived, long lines formed, with devotees patiently waiting for the opportunity to partake of the sanctified food lovingly offered to Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
The continued enthusiasm for the distribution of Lord Jagannātha’s Mahāprasāda was clearly reflected in the dedicated service of the ISKCON Plainfield devotees. Many arrived as early as 5:00 a.m. to clean the facilities, prepare the offerings, arrange the space, and serve the feast attentively and with devotion, striving to offer their very best for the pleasure of the Lord of the Universe, Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
The New Year Śrī Jagannātha Purī–style lunch buffet was organized by the Govinda’s team of ISKCON of Central New Jersey. Those wishing to remain informed about their ongoing service activities may visit their website and follow them on Facebook. Additional photographs from the event here.
Deepen your Bhakti-yoga practice, harmonize relationships, and receive guided coaching — all at Vedavarsity.com
