Tirupati: “As many as 1,89,826 pilgrims have so far offered hair from September 13 to 19, in the last seven days of Srivari annual Brahmotsavams,” said Ms M. Nagaratna, DyEO, TTD Kalyanakatta.
Speaking to media persons at Tirumala on Thursday, the DyEO said, “Majority of devotees who throng Tirumala to have darshan of Lord Venkateswara consider it mandatory to offer their hair as a sign of total surrender to the Lord. In this context, a record number of devotees have tonsured their head during the ongoing Brahmotsavams since its commencement.”
“There are nine Kalyanakattas in Tirumala, in which a total of 1397 barbers work. About 279 women tonsurers are also involved in the tonsuring activity and we use all hygienic methods. We supply quality blades and branded antiseptic lotion, sandal pills and masks to the barbers to avoid the spread of any infectious diseases to both barbers and pilgrims,” Ms Nagaratna added. TTD PRO Dr T. Ravi and Assistant PRO P. Neelima were also present.
