ABSTRACT
In Hinduism, the literal meaning of food sharing through anna-daan is giving food, supporting, maintaining. All the Hindu texts – namely, Vedas, Shastras, and Puranas – signify the aim of doing daan. Daan is very commonly identified with food (anna-daan), knowledge (vidyaa-daan), land (bhoo-daan), and cattle (go-daan). Hindu scriptures define anna-daan in varied ways and describe the benefits associated with anna-daan, and vice versa. In India, where Hinduism is largely practised, daan (sharing/giving) is an important form of one’s dharma (religious duty). The second part of the chapter is the analysis of the case studies carried out across India, synthesised to capture the essence of this great tradition practised to date. It highlights the rituals, practices, institutional arrangements, governance, technology, finances, waste management, and magnitude of deciphering the links between food-sharing culture and its practice.
