TTD moves to recoup losses on laddu

The total loss being accrued by way of sale of laddus runs into a staggering Rs. 150 crore annually.

Management is exploring the options of either increasing the price or reducing the size. Photo: K.V.Poornachandra Kumar

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams management is exploring various options to tide over the loss arising out of the sale of the famous laddu prasadam.

In an indication to this effect, TTDs chairman Ch Krishnamurthy on Friday said that the total loss being accrued by way of sale of laddus runs into a staggering Rs. 150 crore annually. Besides, the increase in the price of the essential commodities that go in the making of laddus, the variation in the sale price of laddus is also contributing to the loss.

In addition to one free laddu being issued to the pilgrims reaching the town on foot, the management is also providing two additional laddus at subsidised price to the devout. The fact that half the number of the visiting pilgrims is reaching the town on foot cannot be ignored. The options include decrease in the weight of the laddus or enhance the selling cost. Even though the management is averse to any hike in the price of laddus, at the same time it also is in no hurry to arrive at any hasty decision as the issue is not only very sensitive, but also is entwined with the sentiments of of devotees.

Talking to media, Mr. Krishnamurthy expressed satisfaction at the successful conduct of the Navaratri Brahmotsavams which concluded on Thursday.

Even though there is an element of truth that the pilgrim turnout was affected owing to tight security, the management could not take chances.

Waiting hall

The sprawling site at the Narayanagiri gardens has been tentatively identified for the reconstruction of the thousand pillar mandapam that was razed to the ground a decade back.

The TTD also is contemplating constructing a huge waiting hall at the gardens for the benefit of the pilgrims opting for various darshan formats.

Asked about the proposed increase in the price of break darshan tickets, he said that a decision would be taken at the ensuing meeting of board trustees.

In the same vein, he said that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had favourably reacted to the proposal of making Rs. 300 tickets available at Tirupati catering to the needs of both the pilgrims and local denizens.