COCONUTS are considered the purest form of offering and an essential element in Hindu rituals.

In Indian culture, every auspicious celebration or event begins with the breaking of coconuts as a prayer for success and prosperity.

The smashing of coconuts also symbolises the breaking of one’s ego to reveal the purity inside.

The traditional ritual of breaking coconuts has been carried out for over a century.

Vinayagar Chaturthi is a yearly celebration for all Indians across the globe to commemorate the birthday of Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity. Sri Sakti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple in Brickfields celebrates this event on a grand scale by having a chariot procession that goes around the vicinity.

During the entire procession, devotees will smash tonnes of coconuts in the path of the chariot as a fulfilment of vows made.

The Malaysian Insight went to find out what happens to the broken coconuts. – September 5, 2017.