KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 2 -- Coconuts are a must-have in almost all Hindu rituals as they are considered harbingers of auspicious beginnings.

For devotees, breaking coconuts marks a symbolic surrendering of one's ego at God's feet.

But times are changing and today, sustainability has become the operative word due to supply shortages.

Malaysia Council of Hindu Temples and Hindu Associations president Datuk N. Sivakumar said there are some 4,000 Hindu temples nationwide and that even small to medium-sized ones can use up to 1,000 coconuts month for various rituals ranging for major festivals like Pongal, the Tamil New Year, and Deepavali.

"While the exact number of coconuts used can vary by size and the volume of devotees, larger temples typ...