Annadhanam and free refreshment drinks since 1970 during Thaipusam, Penang

Thaipusam had always been one of the most awaited time in a year for me. My dad, together with family and friends started putting up panthal since 1970 during Thaipusam in Penang, Malaysia. The panthal since then is named 'Ganapathy Singaravellan Thaneer Panthal' and is now 45 years old. It is located along the main street leading towards the 'Thaneer Malai Murugan Temple' during Thaipusam. The main purpose of the panthal is to serve free food (annadhanam) and drinks to the devotees during Thaipusam. It is said that annadhanam is the best charity (refer below for meanings of annadhanam).

"Annadanam Samam Danam Trilokeshu Na Vidhathe These are the verses from the Vedas, meaning Annadanam is supreme and incomparable to any charity. Food is the basic rhaiequirement for all humans. Thus according to Vedas, the one who does annadanam to devotees, attains heaven (Punya Loka) in this Universe (Brahmanda) itself. In this whole universe, the creation and its progression depends on food. Hence giving food to the devotees is more than attaining heaven.", quoted from IndusLadies.com.

"We owe our spiritual wealth not just to the sages, seers, masters and enlightened beings who walked the path, but also to the community that nurtured them. In our tradition, serving spiritual seekers and monks was of utmost importance. In fact for many, this was a path in itself. The most beautiful expression of this was the Annadanam, the offering of food." - Sadhguru

The panthal set up, decoration and the way the panthal is being managed and run has come a long long way since it was first started. Back then my dad used to load the things to set up the panthal into a cart and pull them by feet, like those man pulled cart. All the materials needed such as zinc roofs, wooden/iron pillars and decorations were stored in the house store at Sekolah Menengah Vokasional Pulau Pinang. A Chinese family living nearby the panthal used to provide water supply so drinks can be served and food can be prepared. Water hose was pulled as far as 50 meters to reach the panthal. Vegetables, rice and cooking materials were transported by my father and others to the panthal unlike delivery services these days. In fact, the food was also cooked and served by family and friends. At that time, only a few panthals were available. Devotional songs was played in each panthal to help devotees be focused on God while sometimes the kavadis would dance to it. Water would then be poured over the kavadi bearer's feet to cool them during hot weather as they walk long distances barefooted to fulfill their vows. Our family panthal had always run by donations from family and friends and we are always thankful for their contribution and annadhanam partake. Not to forget those who helped non-monetarily.

Now, motor vehicles has taken over the tough job of cart transportation. Delivery services have became common. Water supplies and electricity is shared among neighboring panthals and sorted by the respective water and TNB personnel. Devotional songs in most panthals are now centralized and played throughout the day and shut at Thaipusam midnight. This helps to disperse the crowd to some extend. Temples no longer take milk offerings past midnight of Thaipusam either. What has not changed for us is that, we continue to serve free food (annadhanam) and refreshment drinks. It is still run by family and friends through donations unlike the panthals being put up by organizations and companies. We no longer have the facility to store large panthal materials and decorative items, hence the panthal is now as simple as it can be just for the purpose it was first set up, with no large fancy decorations. 

This year we would be preparing annadhanam for 3000 devotees on Thaipusam day. Preparations have started for the annadhanam where the needed cooking and refreshment materials have been ordered. Friends who would like to partake in the annadhanam or would like to help in the panthal, feel free to contact me. All donations received will be used in preparation of annadhanam during Thaipusam.

If you are in Penang during this year Thaipusam, 2015, come and enjoy the Thaipusam together with many other Malaysians and foreigners from 2nd Feb till 4th Feb.

This photo shows refreshment drinks being served in Ganapathy Singaravellan Thaneer Panthal. Photo was taken on 29th Jan 1972.

HAPPY THAIPUSAM!