Setting off a new controversy, the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department has banned New Year celebrations at temples in the state. as these “festivals are not part of Hindu culture and ethos”. Responding to the circular, TTD EO said the temple administration of TTDs is focusing on common pilgrim-centric arrangements for the heavy crowd on the new year day. He clarified that they are not doing any special decoration for the temple on that day. EO said that TTD administration will do floral decorations and other events on Ugadi new year.