Don't overdo the coconut-breaking during Thaipusam, says CAP

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.