TTD Cancels VIP Break Darshan to Prioritize Common Pilgrims’ Darshan Hours in Summer
In anticipation of heavy pilgrim influx during the upcoming three-month summer vacation, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced elaborate arrangements to accommodate the surge of devotees.
TTD Executive Officer, Sri AV Dharma Reddy, revealed that the TTD board has made a significant decision to cancel VIP break darshan during the summer season. This move aims to prioritize common devotees by ensuring more darshan time for them, as announced during the last Board meeting.
CANCELLED VIP BREAK TO ENSURE MORE DARSHAN HOURS TO COMMON PILGRIMS IN SUMMER-TTD EO
— Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (@TTDevasthanams) April 5, 2024
TIRUMALA, 05 APRIL 2024: pic.twitter.com/ReksCZlYw4
Speaking to media after the monthly Dial Your EO program at the TTD Administrative Building in Tirupati, Sri AV Dharma Reddy emphasized the board’s commitment to providing a seamless and fulfilling pilgrimage experience for all devotees. The decision to cancel VIP break darshan underscores TTD’s dedication to equitable access to sacred rituals and spiritual experiences, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.
Some excerpts of the summer arrangements:
• For the convenience of common devotees TTD has cancelled the VIP Darshan on recommendation letters giving more darshan hours to common devotees
• Non-stop distribution of Anna Prasadam, buttermilk, snacks and medical facilities to the devotees waiting in the queue lines, compartments, outside lines etc.
• Cool paintings and drinking water points all along the Mada streets and Narayanagiri Gardens
• 2500 Srivari Sevakulu apart from Scouts and Guides deployed to provide assistance to devotees during the summer rush.
• Effective strategy and preparations made by TTD forest department and Government fire department to avert flash fire accidents in Seshachala forest regions during summer hot days.
• Appeal to devotees to not waste water and to use it diligently in view of water scarcity during summer days.
March 2024 Statistics:
Darshan-21.10lakh pilgrims
Hundi-Rs.118.49crore
Laddu Sales-1.01crore numbers
Annaprasadam-42.85lakh devotees
Kalyanakatta-7.86lakh devotees
The cancellation of VIP break darshan reflects TTD’s proactive approach to managing crowds and enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience. By reallocating darshan hours to common pilgrims, TTD aims to accommodate the spiritual aspirations of a diverse range of devotees visiting the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara during the summer months. This decision aligns with TTD’s core values of inclusivity, accessibility, and devotion-centric service delivery.