Chilkur Balaji Temple Priest Warns Of Punishment For New Year Revelry 

Hyderabad: Beware if you want to celebrate at Chilkur Balaji temple on this new year eve. New year revelers are barred from entering the famous temple and its premises on December 31 and also on January 1.

Chilkur Balaji priest Soundara Rangarajan found fault with “English New Year” which is widely celebrated across the country. He warned that he would make people squat if he finds anyone extending greetings to him or others marking the occasion. He called upon people to celebrate New Year on Ugadi, which is the new year day for Telugu Hindus.

"We should protect our culture and Sanatana Dharma. We should celebrate Ugadi as our new year. Ekadasi, Amavasya, Pournami, Karthika Maasam, Dhanurmasam should be the occasions, but not December 31. If any devotee greets me saying happy new year, I would make him or her squat right away. For Marathas — Gudipadwa is the traditional new year, Baisakhi for Punjabis, Deepawali is the new year for Gujaratis," Rangarajan said.

The Chilkur temple and its environs attract visitors during weekends due to its greenery. The Gandipet lake, several parks, farm houses and resorts are also located adjacent to the Chilkur temple.

Individuals or groups of people engaging in new year revelry will not be entertained by the temple authorities except for regular darshan. In a statement, Rangarajan warned that he would make youngsters squat if the temple authorities found anyone partying inside the temple.

The priest, who is said to be a disciplined man in known to instruct devotees to have darshan in traditional attire and avoid jeans and T-shirts. During darshan hours and ‘pradakshanas’, he often chides devotees for rushing or causing inconvenience to other devotees. The popular belief goes that — Lord Balaji in Chilkur is also revered as Visa God for aspirants who seek visa to work abroad.