SERVING

Serving of Food

In 1980, the Committee expanded its services to provide free vegetarian meals to devotees and the general public. Initially, the cooking was done on-site at Jalan Waterfall by staff members, including Mr. Veeriah (USM telephone operator) and Mr. K. Balachandra (School of Physics), with students assisting in cutting vegetables and serving meals.

USM Thanneerpanthal Goes Green (2005)

In line with USM’s Transformation Program for Sustainable Development, the Thanneerpanthal adopted eco-friendly practices. Vegetarian meals are now served on stainless steel plates, feeding 100–120 devotees per seating, while iced drinks are served in recyclable tumblers.

Advantages of this sustainable approach:

• Devotees take only the portions they need, minimizing food waste.

• Food is served fresh and warm.

• No takeaways are allowed, keeping the site litter-free.

• Queues move quickly, reducing waiting times.

• Leftovers are minimal—only 2–3 garden bags after serving over 2,000 devotees.

• The panthal vicinity remains clean, free from polystyrene cups or packets.

• Approximately 20,000 devotees are served iced syrup drinks over the two-day festival.

Sunquick Drinks Sponsorship (2012)

Since 2012, Kumpulan Barkath Stores Penang has sponsored Sunquick drinks, further enhancing the Thanneerpanthal’s beverage offerings for devotees.