TTD to distribute one lakh 'laddus' on New Year

Chennai, Dec 31: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the administrators of the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara, have arranged to distribute one lakh 'laddus' to devotees, who visit its temple here on New Year's day.

Talking to newspersons here yesterday, TTD Local Advisory Committee in-charge K Ananda Kumar Reddy said, ''we expect over one lakh devotees visiting the temple on January one, 2008. Each and every devotee will get a 'laddu' free of cost.'' He said the TTD had arranged to get one lakh 'laddus' for the first time this year.

''Apart from this, 'laddus' will also be sold in special counters on the temple premises,'' he said.

Mr Reddy said tight security arrangements have been made in view of New Year's day. ''Police, volunteers and other officials will assist the devotees near the temple premises.'' The temple would be open from 0230 hrs to 2300 hrs.

UNI