Overview
- TTD said between May 1 and 27 it recorded 12,43,063 devotees offering hair, a clear increase from about 10.65 lakh in May 2024 and 10.18 lakh in May 2025.
- A concentrated peak from May 18 to 23 produced daily tonsure counts above 50,000 and a single-day high of 57,580 on May 23, forcing operational changes.
- To handle the surge, Tirumala expanded tonsuring at the main Kalyanakatta and 11 mini Kalyanakattas and deployed 1,152 barbers, including 269 women.
- TTD extended shifts for roughly 250 barbers, tightened blade disinfection and bathing services, and put secure storage and token systems in place to speed throughput and protect hair quality.
- Collected hair, known locally as 'black gold', is sold through TTD e‑auctions and underpins significant temple revenue projections reported between about Rs 130 crore and Rs 176.5 crore for the year, making auction readiness a key operational priority.