A feast for the soul
As you walk down Watseka Avenue on a Sunday evening, the delicious scent of Indian food drifts on the breeze. Nearing the Hare Krishna Cultural Center, you’ll come upon a line of perhaps 100 people snaking out the door of its dining room across the street. They are patiently waiting their turn for prasadam. Literally translated, prasadam means “mercy.” In this case, the mercy being offered up is a free weekly dinner. The meal typically consists of spiced rice, a lentil dal, a deep-fried veggie, a cooked veggie like eggplant and tomatoes, paneer, naan, fruit lassi, and some kind of dessert. It’s delectable. Everyone is welcome; one does not need to be a member. There is zero proselytizing.
With fluorescent lights and exposed air-conditioning ducts, the dining room is inauspicious. No matter. People of all ages, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds graciously receive what’s perceived as “a blessing.” The mood is inviting and upbeat. Many of the diners attend the Sunday chantings at the temple just across the street; others simply come for the tradition and/or the lovely feast.
Info
Address 3747 Watseka Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034, +1 310.836.2676, www.lalive.us | Getting there Unmetered street parking | Hours Prasadam: Sun 6pm–8pm| Tip Within walking distance is India Sweets and Spices (9409 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039), an Indian grocery store offering vegetarian and vegan snacks.
Regardless of what attracts you to prasadam, it’s a unique opportunity to mix with people you may not meet anywhere else. One family drives for almost three hours, about once a month, to visit. The father, a doctor, has been coming for many years, drawn to the loving atmosphere. Also in attendance are devotees wearing the traditional robes of the Hare Krishna, each with a mark, or tilaka, on their forehead. Local residents join the Sunday dinners as well. A young man who grew up in the area, and used to think the temple members were weird, now comes for the friendly vibe and sheepishly admits to enjoying the tasty free food.
So go ahead and strike up a conversation with the person behind you in line or next to you at the table – you never know where a simple “hello” will lead….
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