GEORGE TOWN, Jan 21 – The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) urged Hindu devotees to reduce the number of coconuts being broken during the Thaipusam festival to avoid wastage.CAP education officer, N.V. Subbarow said money would be put to better use to purchase coconuts for distribution to the needy, especially to Hindus who live below the poverty line.
“Spending money to buy thousands of coconuts to be broken is not a wise act, especially when we are experiencing an economic crisis. Coconut-breaking during Thaipusam was intended to fulfil vows for Hindus, but they needed to understand that prayers were not fulfilled by the number of coconuts broken, but sufficient with good intentions in good faith,” he told reporters after visiting a coconut shop, here, on Wednesday.
“In the meantime, there is a misconception among Hindus on this coconut-breaking ritual with the assumption that the more coconuts broken, there will be more blessings and luck…eventually the demand for coconuts will increase and supply will decrease,” he said.
