GEORGE TOWN: Devotees observing Thaipusam from tomorrow onwards have been urged to break fewer coconuts.

The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) said the money spent on buying coconuts to be broken could be channelled to the various needs of those in the Indian community who live below poverty level.

CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow said breaking coconuts during Thaipusam was a cleansing ritual practiced by Hindu devotees.

He said it was a symbolic surrendering one's ego at the feet of God.

He said the broken coconuts would then be collected and the flesh either eaten raw or used for cooking.

"Whatever food item that is offered to God should be treated as 'prasadam' (sacred food) and consumed by devotees and not discarded as waste.

"Coconuts are used in every Hindu religious ceremony due to its high level of nutrients, contrary to the popular notion that coconut has high level of cholesterol. Hindus used coconut in their cooking and as treatment for variety of ailments. Thus, it has become a fruit that is revered by Hindus.

"However, many devotees, particularly from the Chinese community, are ill-informed of the reasons behind the coconut breaking ceremony. They think that the more coconuts they break, the more luck is showered unto them.

"They break thousands of coconuts every year, which ultimately end up in landfill and being burned and eventually turned into fumes that pollute the environment. This act is not favoured by God," he said today.

He said spending money to buy thousands of coconuts was not wise, especially with the current economic situation.

"CAP urges devotees to break only one coconut.

"Also, consumers should not buy coconuts sold at a high price. If consumers pay more, the price will increase more. It is the consumers' role to bring down the price," he added.

He said the price of coconuts was expected to increase during Thaipusam.

The market price of coconut is between RM1.70 and RM1.90 each.

During Thaipusam, the price is expected to increase from RM2.50 to RM3.

Subbarow urged Hindus to follow right practices, so as to become a good role model for the younger generation.

More than 1.5 million devotees are expected to throng Penang for the three-day Thaipusam beginning tomorrow.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/876176/dont-overdo-coconut-breaking-during-thaipusam-says-cap