Unprecedented Rush at Tirumala; TTD Cancels Monday VIP Break Darshan, SRIVANI Tickets
Tirumala, June 28 (TNT): Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Sunday reported an unprecedented rush of pilgrims at the hill shrine, with all 31 queue compartments filled to capacity and waiting time for Free Sarva Darshan extending to over 32 hours.
According to a TTD update issued at 5 p.m., devotees opting for Free Sarva Darshan are facing a waiting time of 20 to more than 32 hours, while those with Slotted Sarva Darshan (SSD) tokens are expected to wait between nine and 14 hours.
The day’s SSD quota has also been exhausted.
In view of the heavy pilgrim influx, TTD advised devotees planning to visit Tirumala with only Free Sarva Darshan or SSD tokens to postpone their pilgrimage, if possible, until the rush subsides.
The temple administration said pilgrim turnout is generally lower during the middle of July and suggested devotees plan their visit accordingly for a smoother darshan.
The heavy rush is expected to continue through the weekend, TTD said.
Meanwhile, to ease congestion and prioritise darshan for common pilgrims, TTD has cancelled VIP Break Darshan and online current booking of 800 SRIVANI darshan tickets for Monday.
Temple authorities attributed the unprecedented rush to the weekend coinciding with the concluding phase of the summer vacation season, leading to a sharp increase in pilgrim footfall at the hill shrine.
TNT TS
