With Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations underway, Hyderabad is witnessing a festive atmosphere with Ganesha idols installed across neighborhoods, along with special prayers, cultural programs and annadanam (free meal) services. These nine-day food distributions are particularly helpful for bachelors, hostel students and employees managing on limited incomes. However, many people often struggle to find out where and when annadanam is being served across the city.
To address this issue, a free technology-based platform called Annadhanam Spots has been launched. Through the website, users can find information about annadanam centers across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Hyderabad areas such as Ameerpet, Dilsukhnagar, Kukatpally, Madhapur, LB Nagar and Secunderabad. The platform provides details including meal timings, Google Maps directions and the menu being served, such as pulihora, curd rice, veg biryani and payasam.
The platform operates through crowdsourcing, allowing users to add annadanam details they know without requiring a signup or login. By bringing food donors and devotees together on a single platform, the initiative aims to help people find free meals at the right time and location. The concept has also been receiving positive attention on social media.
