Why was a simple bundle of powdered sugar so important to Kashiram?

The bundle the thieves tried to steal from Kashiram was incredibly important to him not because of monetary value, but due to a spiritual vow. As mentioned in Chapter 0, the bundle contained only powdered sugar. It was so dear to him because a saint named Janakidas Baba had advised him to feed sugar to ants. Kashiram was deeply committed to this practice, so much so that he was willing to fight to the death against robbers to protect the bundle, which he saw as essential to fulfilling his vow.