Coconut Smashing as Religious Ritual in Sri Lanka Impacted by High Prices and Limited Supply

Coconut prices have increased drastically, and the shortage created made it difficult for devotees to engage in the ritual of smashing them on the ground at key Devalayas and Hindu temples, the Daily Mirror reported on December 10. Coconuts are used extensively in Hindu religious rites where 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, the report said.  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.  Thus, for offerings to deities, devotees are seen buying trays comprising only fruits.