TTD TO REDUCE WAITING HOURS AT KALYANAKATTA- EO

TIRUMALA, SEPT 5: TTD EO Sri MG Gopal assured the pilgrims that proper measures will soon be initiated to reduce the waiting hours in Kalyanakattas-the tonsuring areas in Tirumala.

Answering the pilgrims callers from across the country on Friday at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala as a part of the monthly “Dial Your EO” programme, the EO said, TTD has now streamlined the darshan system by introducing “Three-stepped Darshan” system inside sanctorum and issuing Rs.300 Special Entry darshan tickets with a specific time frame under e-Darshan and internet booking quotas which proved fruitful in providing a convenient darshan to the pilgrims.

“We have resolved the long pending problem of providing hassle free darshan to the multitude of visiting pilgrims in Tirumala shrine. Now we will focus on Kalyanakatta and Reception areas which are consuming much time of the pilgrims during peak seasons. There is dearth of personnel in these areas. But we will definitely take measures to reduce waiting time of the pilgrims especially in the tonsuring areas”, he added.

This assurance came from the EO in reaction to the problem raised by a pilgrim caller Sri Soma Sekhar from Kurnool.

Welcoming the suggestion made by another pilgrim caller Sri Murthy from Visakhapatnam, who informed the EO about the unhygienic methods followed by the pilgrims while consuming annaprasadams after completing their dashan near potu area. He also suggested the EO to place display boards at laddu counters for the convenience of the pilgrims. EO said, proper measures will be ensured.

Meanwhile about 11 queries in the form of compliments and suggestions poured in with respect to the newly introduced Rs.300 advance booking system. The EO said, as the system is just ten days old, it will take some time to get acquainted with the pilgrims and he is hopeful of a positive outcome of the new darshan system which enables the pilgrims to have hassle free darshan within couple of hours.

Earlier EO briefed the pilgrim viewers on the important religious event which are set to take place in Tirumala and other sub-shrines of TTD in the month of September. Listing out the events, the EO said proper arrangements are underway on war-footing to conduct the mega religious event of nine-day annual brahmotsavams of Lord Sri Venkateswara which are scheduled to take place from September 26 to October 4 in Tirumala. “The event flag off with Dhwajarohanam on September 26, followed by Garuda Seva on September 30, Rathotsavam on October 3 and conclude with Chakrasnanam on October 4. We are making elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims and taking all measures to see that the event is carried away in a smooth manner”, he added.

Later the EO enlisted the Pavitrotsavams of Tiruchanoor, Sri Govinda Raja Swamy, Devuni Kadapa and other temples of TTD which are set to take place this month.

All HODs of various departments of TTD were present in the programme.

ISSUED BY TTDs PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, TIRUPATI