UNIVERSITI Sains Malaysia (USM) will mark the 50th anniversary of its Thaipusam thaneer panthal (refreshment stall) on Feb 10 and 11 at Jalan Waterfall, Penang.
Since 1975, this long-standing initiative has provided food and beverages to thousands of Thaipusam devotees, embodying the spirit of service and community.
To commemorate this milestone, the refreshment stall will serve free vegetarian meals to 3,000 devotees and distribute over 20,000 cold drinks.
In support of sustainability, stainless steel plates and cups will be used to reduce waste, USM said in a statement.
This year, a special ‘mother-friendly corner’ will also be introduced, offering a comfortable space for breastfeeding mothers.
Attendees can participate in community sharing sessions featuring experts on topics such as mental health, cybersecurity, education pathways, and cultural heritage from 10am to 4pm on both days.
USM welcomes everyone to be part of the meaningful celebration – one that fosters inclusivity, harmony, and sustainability.
For more details, visit https://thaipusam.usm.my.
Story by Lim Min Jun
Pix courtesy of Universiti Sains Malaysia