Clean Thaipusam's crusade for a litter-free, zero-waste celebration
Melissa Fernando
January 25, 2024 20:55 MYT
January 25, 2024 20:55 MYT
Volunteers of Clean Thaipusam 2024 campaigning for a litter-free environment at Batu Caves. - Astro AWANI
BATU CAVES: The vibrant celebration of Thaipusam at Batu Caves has taken on a new dimension in recent years, thanks to a volunteer-driven initiative known as Clean Thaipusam.
The brainchild of film director JK Wicky, it was launched in 2019 with the aim of keeping the temple environment pristine during the massive annual celebrations, which can attract up to two million people, both devotees and visitors.
"Our goal isn't just picking up rubbish, we want a mindset shift. Instead of complaining about rubbish being thrown everywhere, let’s just pick it up," says Karpagarasee Ramaksihnan, the team leader of Clean Thaipusam.
Fruit picking for Fruit Bank by Clean Thaipusam 2024
According to Karpagarasee, their goals have expanded beyond just collecting rubbish. It has become a movement that aims not only to maintain cleanliness, but also to promote a change in attitude towards waste and conservation.
Volunteers are now actively separating fruit left behind by worshippers, turning potential waste into a useful resource through a new initiative called Fruit Bank.
Under the Fruit Bank initiative, Clean Thaipusam is working with Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM), an animal rights and welfare NGO, where leftover fruit will be used to feed stray animals under SAFM's care.
“We believe the leftover fruits can fulfill the hunger of animals who have lost their habitat and food source," says R. Kalaivanan, President and Founder of SAFM.
To further support the campaign, the public and devotees are urged not to throw away leftover fruits as prayer offerings, but to bring them to the Clean Thaipusam stall at the entrance to Batu Caves.
It's not always easy to start a volunteer-led movement, and in 2019, it has grown from less than 20 volunteers focused on keeping the temple litter-free to more than 500 volunteers at present. The initiative has also extended its reach to Perak, Penang and Kedah.
Karpagarasee highlighted the crucial role of platforms such as YouTube, where the Clean Thaipusam song has helped attract volunteers and helped the organisation promote a litter-free attitude during Thaipusam.