TTD to Modernise Kalyana Kattas in Tirumala
The board took up the matter for discussion following repeated complaints about the inconvenience caused by the congestion and limited amenities available.
Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is set to modernise the Kalyana Katta Complexes (KKCs) in Tirumala to ease the inconvenience being faced by devotees. The decision comes in view of the ageing facilities and the steady rise in the number of pilgrims opting for tonsure as part of their vow to Lord Venkateswara.
The TTD Trust Board, which recently met under the chairmanship of B.R. Naidu, deliberated on the issue and passed a resolution approving the proposal in principle. The upgradation will focus on providing better sanitation, improved crowd flow and enhanced safety standards, while preserving the religious sanctity of the ritual.
Kalyana Katta is an integral part of the Tirumala pilgrimage, where devotees offer their hair as a symbol of devotion and surrender. The main Kalyana Katta complex, built decades ago and other Kalyana Kattas have been serving lakhs of devotees every month. But their designs are now considered inadequate to handle the increasing footfalls.
The board took up the matter for discussion following repeated complaints about the inconvenience caused by the congestion and limited amenities available.
In July this year, 9,13,650 devotees opted for tonsure in Tirumala, compared to 8,67,242 during the same month last year. This reflects an increase of 46,418 in devotees opting for tonsure, the percentage increase being 5.35.
Officials point out that such consistent growth in pilgrim turnout is putting additional pressure on the Kalyana Katta facilities, stressing the need for their upgradation.
“The existing complexes have served lakhs of devotees over the years. But they are now inadequate. Our plan is to empanel reputed design consultants by inviting proposals through a competition. The best model will first be implemented on a pilot basis in one complex”, a senior TTD official said.
The official explained that designs will be evaluated by a technical committee based on functional and religious requirements. “We will give priority to improving hygiene, ventilation, lighting and safety while ensuring that the ritual retains its traditional sanctity. Once the pilot is successful and feedback is received, the model will be extended to all Kalyana Kattas in a phased manner,” he stated.
The TTD engineering department will finalise the modalities and eligibility criteria for empanelment of experts, draw up evaluation guidelines, and issue a Request for Proposal.