Coconut smashing as religious ritual impacted due to high prices, limited availability

By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe

The rising prices of coconuts and their limited  availability have impacted the performance of the ritual of smashing  coconuts at key Devalayas such as Seenigama and Munneswaram.  Coconut prices have increased drastically and a shortage  created making it difficult for devotees to engage in the ritual of  smashing them on the ground at key Devalayas and Hindu temples.   

Coconuts are used extensively in Hindu religious rites -  they are offered to the gods, and smashed on the ground or some other  object during initiation and inauguration ceremonies.  
Dashing of coconuts, a ritual performed by devotees  attending religious observances at Devalayas all over the country seeking  the blessings of the gods has declined due to the exorbitant price of  coconuts.  

Trustees and Kapu Ralas of Devalayas said the price of trays  of offerings has shot up in a large proportion due to the increasing  price of coconuts.  
They pointed out that the price of the cheapest tray of offerings sold earlier for Rs.500 is now more than Rs. 1,000.  
For offerings to deities, devotees are seen buying trays comprising only fruits.