Last updated: June 2026 · Sourced from official TTD portals (tirumala.org · ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in)
Hair tonsure — called mokkubadi or tonsure offering — is one of the oldest devotional acts at Tirumala. Pilgrims offer their hair to Lord Venkateswara as a fulfillment of a vow, or simply as an act of surrender. The TTD runs this service completely free of charge at Kalyanakatta (the main tonsure centre) and nine mini-Kalyanakattas across Tirumala.
This guide explains exactly where to go, when to go, and what happens when you get there — based on official TTD information from tirumala.org/KALYANAKATTA.aspx.
Step-by-step guide
- Arrive at Kalyanakatta: Go to the main Kalyanakatta at Tirumala or any of the 9 mini-Kalyanakattas (at Sri Venkateswara Rest House, PAC-1, PAC-2, GNC, HVC, Nandhakam, Kousthubham, Sapthagiri rest houses). The main location is open from 3 AM to 3 AM (4 shifts). No online booking required.
- Collect your token: On arrival, collect a computer-generated queue token from the token counter. Your token number determines your wait time. On weekdays/early morning, waits are shorter (30–60 min). On weekends and festival days expect 1–3 hours.
- Wait for your number: Wait in the designated waiting area until your token number is called or displayed on the screen. There are separate sections for men and women at most locations.
- Tonsure performed: Proceed to the assigned barber when your number is called. The tonsure is performed quickly and is completely free. The entire process at the chair takes 5–10 minutes.
- After tonsure: Many pilgrims bathe or wash their heads after tonsure before proceeding to the main temple for darshan. There are bathing facilities near the tonsure area. Change into fresh clothes if you brought them.
Where is Kalyanakatta?
The main Kalyanakatta is at Tirumala hill. In addition, the TTD runs nine mini-Kalyanakatta units at these locations:
• Sri Venkateswara Rest House (SVRS) • Sri Padmavathi Rest House (SPRS) • HVC (Hundhi Vaikuntam Complex area) • GNC (Govinda Namasmaranam Complex) • PAC-1 and PAC-2 (Pilgrim Amenity Centres) • Nandhakam Rest House (NDRH) • Kousthubham Rest House (KTRH) • Sapthagiri Rest House (SGRH)
Tonsure is also available at Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple (Tirumala) and at Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanoor (Tirupati town), so you don't have to go up to Tirumala hill for this service.
Shift timings — when is Kalyanakatta open?
The main Kalyanakatta and most mini units operate in shifts. The exact pattern depends on which location:
Main KKC and major minis — 4 shifts (effectively round-the-clock): Shift 1: 3:00 AM – 9:00 AM Shift 2: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Shift 3: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Shift 4: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
GNC and Nandhakam (NDRH) — 3 shifts: Shift 1: 3:00 AM – 9:00 AM Shift 2: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Shift 3: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
HVC, Kousthubham (KTRH), Sapthagiri (SGRH) — 2 shifts: Shift 1: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM Shift 2: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Approximately 110 tonsurers work per shift at the main Kalyanakatta. The main location is effectively open from 3 AM to 3 AM (i.e., all day and night during peak seasons). Confirm current timings on tirumala.org before you go, as TTD may adjust shifts on festival days.
How the token system works
To manage the queue, TTD issues computer-generated tokens to pilgrims before their tonsure. When you arrive at Kalyanakatta, you will be given a token with a number. You wait until your number is called, then proceed to one of the available barbers.
You do not need to book in advance or online — just show up, get a token, and wait. During peak pilgrimage seasons (Brahmotsavams, weekends) the wait can be several hours even at the main Kalyanakatta, so arriving in the early morning shift is usually faster than midday. On regular weekdays the wait is much shorter.
Is tonsure free? What to bring?
Yes — hair tonsure at all TTD Kalyanakattas is completely free of charge. The TTD provides the barbers, the space, and the tools at no cost to the devotee.
What to carry: a photo ID is not required for tonsure itself, but you will have it with you for the darshan booking anyway. No prior booking or booking number is needed. Wear simple clothes you don't mind getting hair on, and carry a change of clothes if possible — many pilgrims change into a fresh dhoti/saree after tonsure before going into the main temple for darshan.
Can children get tonsure at Tirumala?
Yes, children's tonsure (often called 'first tonsure' or 'mundan') is commonly performed at Tirumala as a religious ceremony. The process at Kalyanakatta is the same — token, wait, and the barber performs the tonsure. For very young children and infants, parents accompany them through the process.
If you are planning a first-tonsure ceremony for a baby or young child and would like to combine it with a complete family yatra to Tirumala, message us on WhatsApp at 6302136089 — we can help you plan the darshan, accommodation and tonsure visit together.
Official sources: https://www.tirumala.org/KALYANAKATTA.aspx · https://www.tirumala.org/. Always confirm current details on the official TTD portal.