Compiled by DIVYA THERESA RAVI, CHOW HOW BAN and R. ARAVINTHAN
HINDU temples are among those feeling the pinch due to increasing coconut prices, Malaysia Nanban reported.
Ipoh Hindu Devasthana Paribalana Sabha chairman R. Seetharaman said the coconut is an important item for “pooja” (special prayers) and “archanai” (offerings) done in temples.
He added, however, that it is difficult to get coconuts now.
“Other items used in daily ceremonies and rituals such as betel leaves and nuts, and fruits like bananas are also more expensive now,” he said.
The increase in prices means temples may have to increase the fees for ceremonies, which may not be well-received by devotees.If there are coconut shortages, the report said temples could possibly offer only ‘”pazha archanai” (fruit pooja) instead of “thengai archanai” (coconut pooja).
And if the situation persists, Seetharaman said devotees might end up having to pay more during Thaipusam next year.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.
