TTD gears up for Ekadasi fest

Dec. 24: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is gearing up for the Vaikunta Ekadasi fete coming up on December 28 to which over two lakh pilgrims are expected to attend.
Briefing the media persons at Tirumala on Thursday about the arrangements made for the event, the TTD executive officer, Mr I.Y.R. Krishna Rao, said that the common pilgrims would be given substantial importance, while the VVIP, VIP and Seeghra Darshan modes were streamlined.
After a mind-raking exercise with the senior TTD officials for about two days, Mr Rao had finalised the schedule for the flow of pilgrims belonging to various categories. As per the schedule, the Vaikunta Ekadasi day would witness performing of the Tiruppavai (in place of Suprabhatam), Danurmasa Kainkaryams, Nityakatta Archana, Thomala and other rituals between 12.15 am and 2.30 am.
The protocol-privileged officials, ministers and other functionaries and the VIP-pass holders would be allowed for darshan from 2.30 am 4.30 am. “Giving top priority to the general pilgrims, the Sarvadarshan would commence from 4.30 am and would continue uninterruptedly. At 9 am, Rs 50 Sudarshan token holders would be allowed. The Rs 300 Seeghra Darshan queue line would commence at 12 noon,” Mr Rao said.
The EO said that additional water points, toilets, free distribution of milk and food packets at the queue compartments were among the special arrangements made for the pilgrims. He instructed the health officials to sterilise the vulnerable zones. About 2000 Srivari Sevaks and NSS volunteers were charted for special duties at vintage points.
Mr Rao said that in view of the heavy influx of pilgrims, Mahadwaram privilege would stand cancelled on December 28 for parents with infants, aged and physically challenged devotees.
He also appealed to the Govinda Mala Bhaktas to use Sarvadarshan facility as they could not be given any privilege.