Tirupati laddu sets new record

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) set a new record in sale and distribution of its famed prasadam laddus, thanks to the rush of pilgrims thronging the hill shrine in the auspicious Hindu calendar month of Peratasi.

The 'Srivari laddu' sales and distribution from 3 am of September 30 to 3 am of October 1 touched a whopping 5,13,566. The previous highest figures include 4,64,152 on October 10, 2016, followed by 4,32,745 on May 28 this year. On May 19 last, 4,14,987 laddus and on June 11 last year, as many as 4,11,943 laddus were given away.

The unmatched laddus are made as per the “Dittam” or prescribed proportion of ingredients followed down the ages. Changes have been made in the 'Dittam' six times so far to meet the increasing demand.

The ingredients include gram flour, cashew nuts, cardamom, ghee, sugar, sugar candy and raisins. Devotees complain that the shelf life of the laddus has come down, making it difficult for them to carry home the much sought after prasadam for near and dear.