In a groundbreaking move, the government-run Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) Network announced on Wednesday that devotees from across India can now order prasad from the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This marks the first time that prasad can be availed without traveling to the holy sites, thanks to Waayu, a seller network participant.
Devotees can order prasad from the Bade Hanuman Ji Temple in Prayagraj and the Ayodhya Temple in Ayodhya using leading buyer apps such as Paytm, Snapdeal, Easypay, DigiHaat, MyStore, and Rubaru. The prasad delivery is facilitated by logistics participants on the Network, ensuring shipping across India with a 7-day turnaround time.
The service, which commenced on January 13, 2025, is available nationwide and will continue beyond the Mahakumbh.
“The Mahakumbh is a highly significant spiritual occasion for millions of Indians, and we are honoured to facilitate their connection to this sacred event through the ONDC Network. By enabling the delivery of prasad from iconic temples, we are leveraging digital commerce to bridge distances and enhance accessibility, making this divine experience more inclusive,” said T Koshy, MD and CEO of ONDC.
“This is just the start of a much larger canvas of spirituality covering fields and subjects like astrology and numerology, as well as associated products and services, not limited to just those linked with religion,” he added.
The initiative marks a significant step in integrating spiritual experiences into the digital commerce ecosystem, offering a seamless blend of tradition and technology. It reflects ONDC Network’s mission of democratizing digital commerce while embracing India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. It also highlights the versatility of the Network, which extends beyond commercial products to unique and culturally significant offerings.
