Tickets Must For First Three Days Of Vaikunta Dwara Darshan: TTD
The TTD said darshan on these peak days would be restricted exclusively to pilgrims selected through the online electronic dip (e-dip) system, with no provision for walk-in or un-ticketed darshan: Reports
TIRUPATI: Devotees without pre-issued darshan tickets will not be permitted Vaikunta Dwara Darshan at Tirumala during the first three days-December 30, 31 and January 1 of the 10-day festival coinciding with Vaikunta Ekadasi, Vaikunta Dwadasi and New Year’s Day, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced.
The TTD said darshan on these peak days would be restricted exclusively to pilgrims selected through the online electronic dip (e-dip) system, with no provision for walk-in or un-ticketed darshan. All privilege-based darshans have been cancelled during the festival period to maximise access for common devotees.
The decision follows the January 8 stampede at a Tirupati ticket counter, in which six devotees died. To avoid crowding, the TTD has completely shifted to online allotment for high-rush days.
The registration window, open from November 27 to December 1, received 24.05 lakh applications, of which 1.76 lakh pilgrims were selected through a computerised draw. Darshan tickets were issued on December 2 along with reporting details.
As per the schedule, 57,000 devotees will be allowed darshan on Vaikunta Ekadasi, 64,000 on Dwadasi and 55,000 on January 1. From January 2 to January 8, Vaikunta Dwara Darshan will be available without tickets. During this period, 15,000 Special Entry Darshan tickets (₹300) and 1,000 SRIVANI VIP Break Darshan tickets will be issued online daily.
TTD additional executive officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary said nearly 164 of the total 182 hours of darshan during the festival had been earmarked for common devotees. An AI-based crowd management system will be deployed to monitor queues and regulate pilgrim flow.