Tirumala, August 19, 2013: The ongoing struggle for a unified State has had its effect at Tirumala this time in the form of shortage in the supply of coconuts.

Devotees thronging the sacred town for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara were a disappointed lot on Sunday when they learned about the severe shortage in the availability of coconuts. All the coconut selling counters situated in front of the main temple complex flashed ‘no stock’ sign boards since morning.

Breaking of coconuts in front of the temple of Lord Venkateswara is an age-old practise being observed by multitude of devotees. Devotees break coconuts in fulfilment of their vows .

Officials attributed the reasons to the non-availability of coconuts to the Seemandhra agitation for the past three weeks.

Source: The Hindu, August 19, 2013