
‘Masala vada’ added to TTD Nitya Annadanam menu
The Hindu
TTD introduces 'Masala Vada' to free meal service, enhancing the Nitya Annadanam experience for pilgrims at Tirumala.
In a delightful addition to the food served at its Nitya Annadanam complex, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has introduced ‘masala vada’, a popular South Indian delicacy, to its daily free meal service.
TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, along with Executive Officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao and Additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdhury, formally launched the distribution of the dish at the Tarigonda Vengamamba Anna Prasadam Bhavan in Tirumala on Thursday.
Speaking at the launch, Chairman Naidu revealed that the idea of adding an extra item to the Nitya Annadanam menu had been on his mind since he assumed office and subsequently approved by the Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu when he brought the initiative to his notice. The vada he said, is prepared using high quality lentils, green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, coriander, mint, and anise to ensure a flavourful and satisfying experience to the pilgrims.
Initially, 35,000 vadas will be served daily at the Anna Prasada Kendra from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., he said, and added that the number is expected to increase in future subject to the demand from the pilgrims. Around 1.5 lakh pilgrims are served free food under the TTDs Nitya Annadanam scheme daily.