Tirupati: With the relaxation of the lockdown, the number of devotees and pilgrims is continuously increasing in the Tirumala temple for darshan. Which is an average of about 25,000 per day. In view of this, TTD has extended the time of darshan at Tirumala temple. Which will be from Sunday (September 19) till 11 pm. According to temple sources, the pilgrims will be allowed for darshan till 11-11.30 pm. This time was till 10:00 the night before. After which a solitude service, closing ceremony will be held before closing the temple at 12 midnight.

According to TTD sources, 29,621 devotees visited the Tirumala temple on Saturday, the highest since April this year, while 15,039 shaved their heads as a mark of fulfillment of their vows. And the income of Hundi was 2.30 crores. There was a big jump in the number of pilgrims who visited on Saturday. Tirumala Sanivaralu is considered most auspicious by Hindu devotees of Tamil Nadu and adjoining Chittoor district to worship Lord Venkateswara.

TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy had recently said that the number of free Darshan tokens would be increased soon at par with the payment based special entrance Darshan (tickets worth Rs 300). TTD is likely to take a decision on Monday on increasing the free darshan tokens for common pilgrims. TTD is issuing 2,000 free darshan tokens daily, limited to the people of Chittoor district, while there are around 25,000 payment-based darshan tickets under various categories including break darshan, srivani trust donation, aarthita seva and special entrance darshan.

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