Tonsure at Tirumala

The ritual of shaving head or offerring of hair to Lord Venkateshwara is not uncommon. It is called Kesa Khandanam or mundan.

In Hindu tradition, the hair from birth is associated with undesirable traits from past lives. Thus at the time of the mundan, the child is freshly shaven to signify freedom from the past and moving into the future. It is also said that the shaving of the hair stimulates proper growth of the brain and nerves, and that the sikha, a tuft at the crown of the head, protects the memory.

At a special place called Kalyanakatta in Tirumala, many Barbers line up (assembly line like) along a lofty step and tonsure hair of pilgrims seated on a lower step. These barbers are appointed by the TTD board and paid a fixed salary of around 7k per month. In addition, they demand tips from the hapless victmised-pilgrims who are left half-done (Tirupati-Kshavaram) until their demands are met & fulfilled to full satisfaction.

Wailing babies, jostling adults, dirty-grime-coated-tiled-wet-floor, various distinct yet mixed smells of diluted dettol water, bleaching powder, coconut oil, sweat, et al, are the halmarks of the Kalyanakatta. This is also done in a couple of TTD governed Guest houses atop Tirumala hill (eg.: Rambagicha Guest Hosue, Varahaswamy Guest House, etc). wherever, whoever, the ritual is same. Right hand with Blade on head, signals with left hand gesturing for tips. If the need of tonsure is for a baby's first-time, the fee must be fat, mostly in cash, ideally, sometimes in kind (rice + pulses, etc) in the name of tradition. Since these barbers work in shifts, the housekeeping staff of the Board get a chance to clean up (sweep + pour water with force + dab bleaching powder) and heat water for Barbers' use.

On average, the temple goes through 50,000 blades a day - roughly 10% of all pilgrims who visit Tirumala go thru this ritual. Approximately 500 tons of human hair is sold per year; The sale brings the temple about Rs. 100 crores annually, that could actually be around 400~500 crores but for the syndicates and vested interests. The money, owever, is ploughed back into the temple, for providing free meals to many needy pilgrims, supporting local hospitals and religious schools and so on. Good quality hair ideally from young women that is more than 16 inches long can sell for Rs 12,000 per kg. These are used for hair extensions that in US could cost $3k each.
Indian hair is especially sought after the world over due to its superior quality, to make wigs, air extensions, weaving, coat insides, etc;
most Indians still do not use detergent-shampoos; but use reetha or shikakai for hair-wash that retain lustre. Detergents rob hair of rich nutrients and make them lifeless and dull.