TTD cancels offline tokens for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanams

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced major changes for this year’s Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam arrangements. In a bid to avoid overcrowding and stampedes that occurred in the past, TTD will now issue all tokens exclusively online, completely discontinuing offline token distribution. The darshanams will take place from December 30 to January 8.

Last year, a tragic incident at MGM School in Bairagipatteda, Tirupati, claimed six lives and left over 40 people injured when thousands of devotees rushed to collect offline tokens for the darshanam. The stampede drew nationwide attention and prompted TTD to rethink its token system to ensure safety.

According to TTD, the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam period will accommodate around 800,000 devotees, with 164 out of 182 hours of darshanam reserved entirely for general devotees. By shifting to an online-only system, TTD aims to provide equal opportunities for all.

To prioritize general devotees, TTD has canceled special entry tokens (Rs. 300 Darshan and Srivari Darshan) for December 30, 31, and January 1. From January 2 to 8, 15,000 Rs. 300 darshan tokens and 1,000 Srivari Darshan tokens will be available online each day.

This year, TTD will implement the e-DIP system for token allocation. Devotees can register for e-DIP from November 27 to December 1, and selected participants will receive darshan tokens via a lottery system on December 2. Tokens will be available through TTD’s official website, mobile app, and WhatsApp.

For local Tirupati-Tirumala residents, TTD has set up a special quota. From January 6 to 8, 5,000 tokens per day will be distributed online on a first-come, first-served basis.

In other announcements, TTD has decided to file criminal cases against those responsible for the recent cash theft at the Parakamani hundi counting center and submit recommendations to the government. Additionally, TTD revealed that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will lay the foundation stone for the second prakaram at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Amaravati, on November 27.

The shift to an online-only system comes after last year’s deadly stampede at Bairagipatteda. Devotees rushed forward when offline token distribution began, leading to six deaths and over 30 injuries. Investigations revealed inadequate crowd control and police presence as contributing factors. Following this tragic incident, TTD has completely discontinued offline tokens to prevent any repeat of such accidents.