TTD eyes higher revenue from e-auction of hair

Indian hair generally offered at various temples by both men and women is in high demand in the export market. TTD, which accounts for a lion's share of total hair exported from India, expects a collection of Rs 126 crore this year.

Vijayawada: With high expectations on turnout following removal of Covid 19-induced restrictions during the nine-day Brahmotsavam beginning September 27, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) expects substantial revenue from e-auction of hair offered by the devotees.

Hair donated by the devotees during their visit to the world's richest Hindu temple of Lord Venkateswara is high in demand for exports to the United States, Japan, China and Europe. The hair after grading based on its length and texture is stored in temperature-regulated bins in a specially-made warehouse. After e-auction, agents pack them neatly for supply to various overseas markets for use as wigs, pharmaceutical and toy companies and for other purposes. It is said Indian hair generally offered at various temples by both men and women is in high demand in the export market. TTD, which accounts for a lion's share of total hair exported from India, expects a collection of Rs 126 crore this year. The government of India also expects that the hair exports will go up to $2 billion in a year or two.

Keeping in view of heavy rush, TTD board has engaged 1189 barbers including 214 women for tonsuring at the main kalyanakatta and 10 mini-kalyanakatta. Devotees offer hair at Tirumala as a mark of respect to Lord Venkteswara and in fulfilment of their vows. There is a strong belief that hair offering will usher in prosperity.

"Based on quality, length and texture, they are separated in a hygienic manner and stored by taking all precautions and sold through e-auction," TTD General Manager R S S V R Subrahmanyam, General Manager (Procurement), told Bizz Buzz on Wednesday.

The TTD board's budget for 2022-23 is finalised at Rs 3,096 crore. Besides hair, TTD gets revenue from hundi collections, online donations, prasadam sale and letting out guesthouses and cottages. Special pujas and entry tickets also fetch a good amount to the TTD.

With substantial increase in the number of pilgrims to the holy shrine, the hundi offerings have also marked record collections. TTD officials said in the five months, the famous temple at Tirumala could get Rs 657.87 crore through cash donations of which Rs 140 crore alone was received in August. The August collection is an all-time record for any month. Incidentally, the target for realisation of hundi collections for this year is Rs 1,000 crore which the temple appears to be all set to cross before completion of the financial year.