Temples may stop distributing prasada owing to LPG shortage, wedding hall and caterers too hit

BENGALURU: The ongoing conflict has affected the supply of LPG cylinders, impacting the distribution of prasada at several temples in Bengaluru and also across the state. The famous Banashankari temple in the city usually serves 3,000-4,000 devotees daily, with numbers increasing to 4,000-5,000 on Fridays and Tuesdays.

Due to the LPG shortage, the temple is struggling to prepare prasada and may have to stop serving it from Friday onwards. The temple uses 1-2 commercial gas cylinders daily for prasada preparation and currently has only four cylinders in stock, which may last until Thursday evening.

The Bandi Mahakali temple too is facing a severe shortage of commercial gas cylinders, impacting its daily prasada distribution to devotees. The temple typically requires eight commercial cylinders every day to prepare prasada for around 3,000-4,000 devotees.

However, due to the ongoing global gas crisis, the temple has been unable to procure cylinders from its regular suppliers. The shortage has forced the temple to rely on cylinders donated by devotees, which has been insufficient to meet the demand.

The temple’s principal priest and secretary, Shashikumar, has expressed concern over the situation, stating that the temple is struggling to manage the prasad distribution. The temple usually spends around Rs 1750 per cylinder, but is now being quoted Rs 2100 per cylinder, making it unaffordable.

The shortage has affected the temple’s daily operations, and the authorities are exploring alternatives, including using firewood, to prepare prasad. The temple has urged devotees to pray for the situation to improve and is appealing for help to address the gas shortage.

The temple serves prasad to devotees three times a day, and the shortage has put this tradition at risk. The temple authorities are exploring alternatives, including using firewood, to continue this tradition. The authorities are hoping for a resolution to the crisis soon, so they can continue to serve devotees without interruption.

Endowments Minister Ramalinga Reddy, has instructed the Commissioner of Endowments to ensure uninterrupted prasad distribution at temples across Karnataka. The minister has directed officials to take necessary steps to address the gas shortage and ensure devotees are not inconvenienced.

Gas cylinder shortage hits wedding scene; Caterers struggle to cope

The gas cylinder shortage has affected wedding functions in Bengaluru, with caterers and wedding halls struggling to procure LPG cylinders. Many wedding halls are asking families to arrange their own gas cylinders, causing inconvenience.

The shortage has led to a crisis, with many weddings already booked and caterers unable to fulfill orders. Some wedding halls are considering changing their menus or exploring alternative cooking options.

With the wedding season coming to an end, hall owners are hoping for a reprieve. However, the LPG cylinder shortage has raised concerns about the impact on upcoming events and functions.