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Total plastic ban in Tirumala from today
Source: Sakshi Post

Does this mean even the bottled water is not sold? Can any recent visitor throw some light how did they manage drinking water?

Plastic bottled water sale was stopped last year itself. They were selling water in glass bottles with some deposit for the bottle that would be refunded when the bottle is returned at any shop.

Had a very good darshanam of Lord Venkateshwara on 29th May. Had booked 300 Rs tickets and entered ATC circle gate at 6:00 PM. Weather was very pleasant. Volunteers at the gate mentioned that darshanam would take max of 4 hours. Once we went entered, there was no stopping. No waiting in those compartments as well. Only on reaching close to the bridge, we were stopped for 30 mins. Post that, line started moving. Too much of pushing and jostling, which automatically took us inside the temple.

There was no pushing by volunteers once we entered the main temple and got on the ramp. We had a very good darshanam and we were out by 8:30 PM.

Bottled water is sold in Glass Bottles at 60 Rs. You can return the bottle at any shop once water is consumed. They will refund you 30 Rs. This has been the case at least since last year.

Also, any vehicles bearing religious symbols except Hinduism, Political Flags, Movie Stars will not be allowed to climb up to Tirumala. Symbols include Text, Pictures, Quotes and any other distinctions

I visited last year in August 2021. There was no such restriction back then. I could carry plastic bottle with me during the walk through Srivari Mettu.

Anyway I am not too finicky about water for myself but this time around I am taking my family with me hence I am bit concerned.

There are free RO water plants called Jala Prasadam all around Tirumala, as well as on the trekking footpaths. Till now I used to carry the thicker plastic water bottles to fetch water from these RO plants, but henceforth would carry a metal water carrier. Never had to buy water in Tirumala.

You are right. I did not elaborate. You can still carry your own bottle(plastic or otherwise) and refill at multiple places. But water is not sold at Tirumala in Plastic bottles. Its only in glass bottles.

But as per the latest press release it seems even carrying plastic bottle up the Tirumala hills is going to be prohibited.

Even before covid started, people were asked to throw the use-and-throw thin plastic bottles into a bin in the queue. But till now, no one questioned the thicker food-grade plastic bottles.

Their intention is that single-use plastic should not be used in Tirumala, so need to see whether the thicker food-grade plastic bottles will continue to be allowed.

Has anyone availed break darshan facility ( srivani trust donation amount of ₹10,000)? Does this darshan allow us to see the Lord from close instead of the usual Special entry darshan ones ? Can we donate and book darshan for August now? Thanks in advance for your answers!

This would now mean increased vigil at the Alipiri vehicle checking/inspection area. As it is, it takes a minimum of 15 minutes to get past these days.

Is this 10K or 1 Lakh? I don’t think it’s 10k.

Yes 10K Per person and you can see the lord in close proximity. Its a divine feel. Go for it, if you can afford. Relatively its easy to get that tickets for August. Check it out.

-Ravi

Take a look at this Srivani Donations

For the 10K ticket you get a break darshan and you can get a darshan of the lord from the 2nd step.

Thanks both! One more question, do i need to donate 10k even for kids below 12 yrs or they can come along with us for free ?

Kids below 12 are allowed free.