The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has expanded its Annaprasadam menu by including vada, a popular savory snack, twice daily at the Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasada Kendra. This initiative aims to enhance the dining experience for the increasing number of devotees visiting the sacred hill shrine.

TTD Chairman BR Naidu formally launched the extended service after performing traditional rituals at the Annaprasada Bhavan. Demonstrating the TTD's commitment to pilgrim welfare, Mr. Naidu personally served freshly prepared vadas to devotees, underscoring the spiritual significance of the Annaprasadam.

The decision to include vada in the dinner menu came after requests from pilgrims. The TTD aims to provide tastier Annaprasadam and accommodate the continuous flow of devotees. The vadas are prepared with a blend of Bengal Gram, green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, coriander, mint, and fennel seeds, receiving positive feedback from devotees for their taste and quality.

Previously, the Annaprasada Kendra served approximately 40,000 vadas daily, primarily during lunch hours. With the new directive, vadas will be served from 11 am to 10:30 pm, ensuring that more pilgrims can partake in this offering. The TTD expects to serve between 70,000 to 75,000 vadas daily with this extended service.

The Annaprasadam tradition began in 1985 under former CM NT Rama Rao with the Venkateswara Nithya Annadanam Endowment Scheme, serving 2,000 pilgrims daily. It evolved into the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust in 2014, funded by global devotee donations. On special occasions like Vaikunta Ekadasi and New Year, over 2 lakh devotees receive free meals.

TTD emphasizes maintaining high-quality ingredients to ensure taste and hygiene. The Annaprasadam complex is modernized with equipment like modular kitchen ranges, trolleys, vessels, and dining tables. Around 1,000 staff members are dedicated to providing free Annaprasadam to devotees daily, serving nearly 70,000 people per day.

Donations to the Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust are utilized to provide free, hygienic, and nutritious meals to devotees. Donors can contribute to a one-day donation scheme, sponsoring a full day of Annaprasadam distribution at Vengamamba Annaprasadam Bhavan. Donors have the opportunity to personally serve the meals, and their names are displayed at the facility. A one-day donation costs Rs 44 lakh, with options to sponsor breakfast for Rs 10 lakh or lunch/dinner for Rs 17 lakh each. Donors can also make payments online through the Devasthanam portal. Donations to the trust are eligible for tax exemption under section 80G.