Tirupati: The tragic stampede at Tirupati on January 8 this year, which claimed six lives and left more than 40 people injured, has reignited debate over the desirability of continuing with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ (TTD) 2020 decision to extend the Vaikunta dwara darshan for 10 days. The move, introduced during the previous YSRCP government, deviated from the long-standing tradition of keeping the sacred gate open only for two days — on Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dwadasi.

Critics have since argued that this change not only disrupted temple custom but also contributed to the crowding that led to the January tragedy.

After that fateful incident, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had directed the TTD administration to realign its practices with Agama traditions, urging officials to avoid

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