HINDU DEVOTEES URGED TO AVOID PLASTIC MATERIALS DURING FLOATING LANTERN FESTIVAL

GEORGE TOWN, March 10 (Bernama) -- Hindu devotees have been urged not to use foam or synthetic plastic materials during the upcoming Maasi Magam, also known as Theppa Thiruvizha or the Floating Lantern Festival, which will be celebrated in Teluk Bahang on March 12.

Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, in a joint statement with the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP), Penang Green Council (PGC), Hindu Sangam Malaysia (MHS) Penang branch, and the management of Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Temple, said these materials were major marine pollutants that threaten the ecosystem.

He said that traditionally, thousands of devotees released decorative floating lanterns into the sea, often attached to styrofoam and polystyrene, as these materials were lightweight and buoyant.

"Styrofoam and polystyrene do not biodegrade and can break into smaller fragments, often mistaken for food by marine life such as fish and turtles, leading to injuries or even death.

"To prevent pollution and harm to marine life, the Penang state government, CAP, MHS, and the temple management are urging devotees to avoid using styrofoam, polystyrene, or any plastic-based materials for their lanterns," he said.

Sundarajoo suggested that natural oil lamps placed on banana stems would be a more eco-friendly alternative, as they were buoyant and biodegradable, and have been used in the festival over the past two to three decades.

He said efforts to promote this alternative had been ongoing for several years, and this year, the temple management was once again encouraging devotees to opt for safer, environmentally friendly materials.

"We urge devotees to use biodegradable materials such as plates made from areca palm leaves, rice husks, and banana stems to float the lamps.

"Since this festival is about expressing gratitude to god, nature, and the sea for its blessings, an environmentally friendly approach would make the celebration more meaningful," he said.

The Theppa Thiruvizha is grandly celebrated at the 118-year-old Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Temple in Teluk Bahang, attracting thousands of Hindu devotees from across the country each year.

Magam is one of the 27 stars in Hindu astrology and is observed during the full moon between February and March annually. According to Hindu beliefs, the festival is a tribute to the sea goddess who protects the oceans.

-- BERNAMA