TTD begins preparations for 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshan from December 20
Officials have been directed to ensure seamless darshan for pilgrims during the annual religious event in Tirumala.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has started preparations for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshan scheduled from December 20 to 29, according to The Hindu.
Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary reviewed the arrangements during a meeting in Tirumala on Thursday. He directed officials to ensure seamless darshan for devotees, particularly ordinary pilgrims.
For the first three days, Slotted Sarva Darshan (SSD) tokens will be provided online through e-dip. For the remaining seven days, only sarva darshanam will be organised.
Chowdary noted that 7.83 lakh devotees had darshan during the event last year and asked officials to implement similar arrangements this year. He also instructed that common pilgrims be allowed darshan during the weekly Abhishekam on December 25.
To manage crowds, Chowdary directed officials to monitor queue lines through the Integrated Command Control Centre to ensure speedy darshan. Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (CVSO) K.V. Murali Krishna said elaborate security and parking arrangements would be made for the expected influx of devotees.
Vaikunta Ekadasi, the principal Sri Vaishnavite festival, falls on December 20.