Group serves up 25,000 free meals in Batu Caves

1,000 volunteers continue Thaipusam tradition begun in 1961

SOME 25,000 free meals were served to devotees and visitors in Batu Caves, Selangor, in conjunction with Thaipusam.

The Divine Life Society (DLS) Malaysia branch programme saw over 1,000 volunteers cooking and serving vegetarian meals on banana leaves at Sivananda Ashram, located adjacent to the temple.

Food being served to devotees and visitors during Thaipusam at Sivananda Ashram in Batu Caves.— Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

The organisation’s annual programme covered lunch and dinner on the eve of Thaipusam, as well as lunch throughout the actual day.

DLS Malaysia presidentSwami Samyamananda Saraswati Maharaj said its mem­­bers believed that annathanam (the offering of food) was among the greatest forms of service to humanity.

“We have been carrying out this programme since 1961.

The initiative counts on a troop of over 1,000 volunteers, and large volumes of ingredients, to ensure free meals for two days up to the peak of the festival.

“Back then, we served about 500 people, but today we are able to serve up to 25,000,” he said, adding that the organisation had been serving between 20,000 and 25,000 meals each Thaipusam over the past few years, with volunteers working in shifts to ensure smooth delivery.

Its honorary general secretary Swami Brahmajnanananda Saraswati Maharaj said many devotees tra­velled long distances to Batu Caves to offer prayers during Thaipusam.

“As such, we felt that the provision of free food would ensure that they would be able to perform their prayers comfortably.”

He added that the programme was made possible with the support of well-wishers and donors.

“The donations we receive are used not only for this food programme, but also for other initiatives, including a home for children, computer courses as well as music and vocal classes offered at a nominal fee every Sunday and Monday at our Batu Caves centre.” — By VIJENTHI NAIR