Over 12 Lakh Devotees Offer Hair at Tirumala in May; TTD Records Sharp Rise in ‘Black Gold’ Deposits
Tirumala, May 28 (TNT): Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has recorded a sharp rise in “Black Gold” deposits with more than 12 lakh devotees offering hair at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple during May so far.
According to TTD officials, a total of 12,43,063 devotees offered hair at Tirumala between May 1 and May 27 this year, compared to 10,65,729 during May 2024 and 10,18,370 during May 2025.
Officials attributed the surge to the ongoing summer vacation season and continuous weekend pilgrim rush at Tirumala.
From May 18 to May 23, more than 50,000 devotees offered hair each day for six consecutive days, while on May 23 alone, a record 57,580 devotees performed tonsuring as part of fulfilment of religious vows.
To manage the heavy inflow of pilgrims, TTD has strengthened round-the-clock tonsuring services across multiple Kalyanakatta centres in Tirumala.
Apart from the Main Kalyanakatta, mini tonsuring centres are functioning at PAC-1, PAC-2, PAC-3, PAC-5, GNC, HVC, Sapthagiri Rest House, Nandakam Rest House, Kousthubham Rest House, Sri Venkateswara Rest House and Sri Padmavathi Rest House.
TTD said a total of 1,152 barbers, including 269 women barbers, are currently rendering services to devotees.
In view of the increased pilgrim rush, working hours were extended for around 250 barbers to ensure uninterrupted services and reduce waiting time for pilgrims.
The temple administration said special emphasis was being placed on hygiene and safety measures at all tonsuring centres.
Officials said blades used for tonsuring are sterilised in sodium solution and cleaned with Dettol before use.
Bathing facilities, hot water, sanitation arrangements, drinking water, seating facilities and token systems have also been strengthened across all Kalyanakatta centres for the convenience of devotees.
TTD is also distributing sandalwood tablets (Chandanam Billalu) to devotees after completion of the tonsuring ritual.
TNT LE
