Hygienic bhandara: Bhog scheme to be rolled out in 5 Shimla temples

The Bhog scheme, an initiative of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), to ensure hygienic food offerings in religious places—will soon be implemented in five major temples across Shimla district. This decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Shimla DC Anupam Kashyap on Monday.

Temples selected under the scheme include Tara Devi Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Lord Hanuman Temple at Jakhu, Hatkoti Temple and Bhimakali Temple at Sarahan.

Under the Bhog (Blessed Hygienic Offering to God) scheme, bhandara (community meals) will only be served to devotees after being prepared in strict compliance with FSSAI standards. The DC emphasised that registration and licensing of temple managements would be mandatory for preparing and distributing bhandara.

To maintain hygiene and food safety, individuals working in temple kitchens will need to obtain medical fitness certificates. Only certified individuals will be permitted to enter and work in food preparation areas, he added.

DC Kashyap directed temple officials to complete all formalities under the scheme within one week, stating that providing safe and high-quality food to devotees is a top priority. FSSAI licenses will be issued to all temple trusts participating in the scheme.

Additionally, the DC announced that the CCTV footage of three major temples in Shimla district will now be accessible from the DC office, with 24/7 monitoring in place. The DC himself will oversee the surveillance operations to ensure discipline and transparency in temple functioning.

What is a Bhog certificate?

A Bhog certificate is issued by FSSAI to religious places to certify that food offerings like prasad and bhandara are prepared in a hygienic, safe and quality-controlled manner.