Thaipusam Annadhanam

The purpose of ‘Annadhanam’ is to provide food for those who cannot afford it. ‘Annadhanam’ is recognized as the earliest form of welfare system. Offering food to the hungry is considered the most noble act of charity. This year 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of KLAN's ‘Annadhanam’, which has been renamed as the Dharma Dhaanam Project 2020.

However, not everyone is naturally inclined to donate, so this practice has been integrated with religious traditions. It is believed that affluent individuals should participate in ‘Annadhanam’.

KLAN's service, now called the Dharma Dhaanam Project 2020, distributed 30,000 nasi lemak to devotees. Most of these devotees are from middle-class families with children, traveling long distances on public transport, using their limited savings. It usually takes hours for them to reach the vicinity of the temple and to finish their prayers among the huge crowds.

While there is an abundance of food available at stalls around the Batu Caves area during the festival, many vendors raise their prices due to the high demand. This is where food is served to the weary devotees.