In tradition dating back to 1966, society continues to feed devotees at Thaipusam

SINCE 1966, devotees at Batu Caves have been served vegetarian meals on the eve and day of Thaipusam at the Sivananda Ashram, now known as the Divine Life Society.

It is no different this year and some 14,000 people were estimated to have enjoyed the free meal this year.

Vegetarian meals are cooked and served to any devotees and visitors on Wednesday (Jan 24) and Thursday (Jan 25) until 6pm.

Divine Life Society president Swayam Jayananda said the "feeding the devotees" activity is an opportunity for the society to contribute to a charitable cause.

“On Wednesday, we served Indian vegetarian meals on banana leaves from 11am to 3pm followed by 7pm to 2am this morning. This morning, we served devotees starting at 8.30am and estimated to finish about 6pm.

“We have engaged a professional cook but we have all the utensils to cook in big volumes.

“Most of our ingredients such as rice and vegetables are donated.

“We cooked 1,250kg of rice and about 250kg of potatoes to be served.

“We also decided on the dishes based on what we receive as donations in addition to what we purchase.

“The funding for the meals comes from our members' donations and the public. Many know we have been doing this charitable cause for decades and they will always donate rice and vegetables to us.

"The vegetables will always finish but the excess rice bags will be donated to the needy especially shelter homes,” he said.

Jayananda said the feeding does not end with just devotees eating but it continues with the washing of the cooking utensils and cleaning up the space.

“It will take us another two days to wash and dry these cooking utensils and store them properly,” he said.