Breaking coconuts, Aluthnuwara Dewale, Mawanella, Sri Lanka.

Breaking coconuts

The pieces of the broken coconut

Breaking of coconuts to fulfil a vow to Lord Ganesha is practiced extensively in the Hindu Dewales of Sri Lanka. There are various interpretations given to this act. I have heard it said that it is an act symbolizing the breaking of the hard outer ego to taste the white sweet kernel of the deity resident in each human being. I took these pictures and video at the Aluthnuwara Dewale in Mawanella, Sri Lanka.
Video:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAceEbYQ_y0