Wed Dec 31 22:22:50 UTC 2025: ## Pilgrims Flock to Tirumala for Vaikunta Dwadasi Celebrations

TIRUMALA, INDIA – January 1, 2026 (3:52 AM IST) – Devotees thronged the hill temple of Lord Venkateswara on Wednesday as part of the Vaikunta Dwadasi celebrations, highlighted by the sacred ‘Dwadasi Chakrasnanam’ ritual. Scores of pilgrims participated in a holy dip in the temple ‘pushkarini’ (holy tank) on the eve of the ceremony.

The ‘Chakrasnanam’ saw the idol of Lord Chakrathalwar taken in procession to the Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy temple, where priests performed the traditional immersion ceremony amid Vedic chants. As the idol was ceremonially submerged, devotees plunged into the ‘pushkarini,’ marking the culmination of the ritual.

The town buzzed with festive activity, extending from the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival held the previous day. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) implemented extensive arrangements to manage the large influx of pilgrims, ensuring smooth crowd flow and providing ample food and water.

In related news, Lavu Rattaiah, proprietor of Vignan Educational Institutions, donated ₹1 crore to the TTD-run Sri Venkateswara Vidyadana Trust. The donation was formally presented to TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu.

The evening also saw crucial meetings regarding the Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad (HDPP) and the Balaji Institute of Research and Rehabilitation for the Disabled (BIRRD). BIRRD was granted permission to hire additional doctors and paramedical staff to bolster its orthopedic and inpatient services. Furthermore, the hospital will partner with Chennai-based Guvee Health Care Charitable Trust, which will cover the total cost of knee replacement surgery for approximately 100-150 patients holding Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva cards annually.

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