TTD makes plans for summer pilgrim rush in Tirumala

Uninterrupted supply of free food, snacks, and buttermilk to the devotees waiting in the darshan lines and a round-the-clock medical facility to be made available, he says

File photo shows heavy rush of devtoees at Sri Venkateshwara temple in Tirumala. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

Arrangements are in place to meet the requirements of the pilgrims during the ensuing summer vacations, said TTD Executive Officer A.V. Dharma Reddy on Friday, April 5.

He said that the TTD management has planned to arrange for an uninterrupted supply of free food, snacks, and buttermilk to the devotees waiting in the darshan lines and a round-the-clock medical facility. 

To provide a respite to the devotees from the scorching sun, heat-reflective paints and drinking water points have been provided along the ‘mada’ streets encircling the shrine. He urged the pilgrims to diligently use water during their stay atop the town. 

Around 2,500 Srivari seva volunteers will be roped in to provide assistance to the pilgrims, says TTD Executive Officer A.V. Dharma Reddy. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

Around 2,500 Srivari seva volunteers will be roped in to provide assistance to the pilgrims, as the crowds are expected to last for over three months. The government and TTD forest officials have also devised a road map to avert fire in the Seshachalam forest ranges, he said.

Almanac copies

TTD almanac copies, which are highly demanded by the pilgrims’ fraternity, have been made available at Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Bengaluru, Tirupati, and Tirumala for the benefit of the devout.

₹100 crore income

For the 25th consecutive month, the income netted from the temple hundi, he said, crossed ₹100 crore mark during March, while the sale of laddus soared to one crore pieces.

Earlier, anchoring a pilgrim interactive program, he also said that he would explore the possibilities of providing VIP darshan tickets under the lucky dip system.