Thu Jan 09 03:04:17 UTC 2025: ## Telangana & Andhra Pradesh News: Vemulawada Jatara Dates Announced, Tirupati Tragedy Claims Lives
**Hyderabad, January 9, 2025** – Authorities in Telangana have announced that the Vemulawada Maha Shivratri Jatara will be held from February 25th to 27th. Officials are currently reviewing arrangements for the festival.
Meanwhile, a tragic stampede during the Vaikunta Ekadashi celebrations in Tirupati has resulted in the deaths of at least six pilgrims, including three women from Visakhapatnam. The women, from different families, were reportedly waiting for Vaikunta Dwaram darshan tokens when a surge in the crowd led to the deadly crush. Witnesses claim inadequate crowd control measures at the token distribution centers contributed to the incident. The incident has prompted outrage amongst pilgrims and led the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) to immediately begin issuing tokens to prevent further incidents. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and instructed officials to provide immediate medical aid to the injured and ensure efficient rescue operations. The TTD has also deployed additional security personnel to manage the large crowds. The families of the deceased are mourning their loss.
First Piper 