Date:30/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/30/stories/2007113062741000.htm

Andhra Pradesh

TTD gears up for Vaikunta Ekadasi, New Year rush

Staff Reporter

“Pilgrims’ needs will get top priority”

TIRUMALA: Unprecedented arrangements are being made by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) management to meet the pilgrim rush visiting on both the auspicious ‘Vaikunta Ekadasi’ on December 20 and New Year Day.

Talking to mediapersons on Thursday, TTD Executive officer K. V. Ramanachary said top priority would be given to meet the needs of visiting pilgrims besides maintaining hygienic conditions.

As part of the arrangements free food would be provided to all the visiting pilgrims at its massive Nitya Annadanam Complex besides distributing free food packets to all the pilgrims waiting in queue compartments and queue lines.

Both the ghat roads would be kept open round-the-clock between December 19 to 21 and December 30 to January 1 for the convenience of devotees.

Additional police and vigilance personnel would be posted at the Vaikuntam queue complex, Annadanam complex, Kalyanakatta and other important points.

Mr. Ramanachary also gave a ‘free hand’ to heads of various departments to depute staff of their choice and utilise their services in meeting the requirements of pilgrims.

Vigilance

The vigilance and security officials were instructed to maintain proper vigil on both the footpaths leading to Tirumala and also submit a detailed report regarding the steps taken.

Mr. Ramanachary also made it clear that the management would not entertain requests regarding the issuance of VIP darshan passes.

The processional deities of Lord Malayappa Swamy and his two divine consorts also would be placed at the Vaibhavotsava Mandapam for the benefit of visiting pilgrims.