Pilgrim Surge at Tirumala: More Than 12 Lakh Devotees Tonsured

Tirumala has witnessed a massive surge in pilgrim turnout this summer, with record numbers of devotees offering their hair as part of sacred vows to Lord Venkateswara.

According to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) , more than 12.43 lakh devotees underwent tonsure at Tirumala’s Kalyanakatta centres till May 27 this year. The figure is considerably higher than the 10.6 lakh devotees recorded in 2024 and 10.1 lakh in 2025 .

Officials attributed the sharp rise in footfall to summer holidays and consecutive weekend rushes that drew unprecedented crowds to the hill shrine. Between May 18 and May 23 , over 50,000 devotees offered their hair daily. The highest single-day count was reported on May 23 , when 57,580 devotees fulfilled their vows.

The human hair collected at Tirumala, often referred to as “black gold,” remains a major source of revenue for TTD, generating nearly Rs.150 crore annually through auctions.

To manage the heavy rush, TTD strengthened arrangements at tonsure centres by deploying 1,152 barbers , including 269 women barbers . Officials said additional shifts were introduced to ensure smooth services for pilgrims.

The temple administration also enhanced token systems, sanitation, seating facilities and drinking water arrangements to help devotees complete their rituals comfortably during the peak summer season.