Prasadam is considered as one of the auspicious items at Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam. The pilgrims shouted slogans against the TTD for about half an hour.
They staged dharna inside after the VIP break darshan and demanded for Prasadam. The Temple officials tried to convince the pilgrims that Prasadam distribution was stopped due to Covid regulations.
The pilgrims demanded that they must be given at least a small Laddu as Prasadam inside the Temple. The reality about Covid regulations is that there is no thermal scanning for the pilgrims when they are crossing the Alipiri toll gate.
No one is asking for social distancing. No one is suggesting you to wear masks. But they are avoiding the Prasadam in the name of Corona. The TTD is selling Laddu at Rs 50 which was at Rs 25. The big laddu which was sold for Rs 100 is being sold for Rs 200. Big Wada is being sold for Rs 100. Wada is given only if you buy big Laddu.
But there is no restriction on the regular Laddu at Rs 50. You can take as many as you want like sweets. We have to see how they would maintain the sanctity of the temple from 25th to 3rd where all are allowed for darshan in the name of Mukkoti Ekadasi. Around 2 lakh tickets have already been sold. Daily 20,000 pilgrims along with other 10000 pilgrims will come to the Temple.
It will be good if the TTD starts the Prasadam also inside the temple as it is a big sentiment for the Pilgrims. Pilgrims are getting disappointed as there is no Chatari, no blessing, No Prasadam and no Harathi.
