One lakh devotees tonsure heads at Tirumala

Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, Sep 20 (UNI) In a record of sorts, about one lakh pilgrims tonsured their heads in the first five days of the nine-day Brahmotsavam in Tirumala to fulfill their vows, TTD Kalyanakatta Deputy Executive Officer Venkataiah said today.

Addressing the press, he said to cope with the demand, additional 110 barbers, including 40 women, were appointed adding to the existing 735 staff, for reducing waiting time for pilgrims at Kalyanakatta (tonsuring) Centres.

Following a decision by the TTD Board, free 'Chandan' (sandalwood) tablets were distributed to devotees at the Kalyanakatta.

The sandalwood tablets, which have a cooling effect, are ground into paste and applied on the head after tonsure.

''We called for tenders for Rs 20 lakh worth Chandan tablets.

Approximately, ten lakh pilgrims tonsure their heads annually,'' he added.

UNI