The sun had barely risen over the sacred hills of Tirumala when little Avantika woke up.
She didn’t wake because of an alarm.
She woke because of sound.
“Govinda… Govinda…”
The chant floated through the air like a lullaby that had turned into morning music.
Avantika rubbed her sleepy eyes and looked at Amma.
Amma was already dressed, eyes glowing, holding tiny bangles in her hand.
“Today is your special day,” Amma said softly.
Avantika remembered.
Today… she would give her hair to the Lord.
The Promise
Months ago, when Avantika had fallen sick, Amma and Nana had prayed with trembling hands.
“Swami, keep our daughter smiling… and we will bring her to your hill.”
And Avantika did smile again.
Soon she laughed louder than before.
So now the family climbed the Seven Hills not to ask — but to say thank you.
The Kalyanakatta
The big hall was filled with children — some crying, some giggling, some very brave.
Avantika held Nana’s finger tightly.
“Will it hurt?” she whispered.
Nana smiled.
“Not hurt… just tickle.”
She wasn’t sure she believed him.
The barber sprinkled water.
Cool drops touched her head.
Zzzzip…
The first lock fell.
Avantika blinked.
Nothing happened.
No pain.
No tears.
Just a strange breeze touching her head — like the hill itself was saying hello.
She started laughing.
Amma laughed.
Nana laughed.
Even the barber smiled.
Soon shiny little curls lay around her feet.
Avantika touched her smooth head and gasped.
“I’m like a baby again!”
The Mirror Moment
After the bath, she looked into the mirror.
A round shining head.
Bright eyes.
A big smile.
Instead of crying…
She clapped.
“Swami will recognize me faster now!”
Darshan
They walked through the long stone corridors, feet cool against the floor. Lamps flickered. The fragrance of camphor filled the air.
Then the golden doors opened.
There He was.
Lord Venkateswara.
Avantika stopped talking — for the first time that day.
Her tiny hands folded perfectly.
She didn’t ask for toys.
She didn’t ask for chocolates.
She simply said:
“Thank you for making Amma happy.”
The priest called loudly:
“Govinda!”
Avantika shouted the loudest:
“GOVINDA!”
The Blessing
As they came outside, the hill breeze kissed her bald head again.
This time it felt warmer… softer… kinder.
Amma whispered:
“Hair grows again, kanna… but blessings stay forever.”
Avantika nodded seriously.
Then she ran ahead laughing — faster than anyone else — sunlight shining on her tiny head like a crown.
And that day, Tirumala didn’t just receive an offering.
It received a child’s pure joy.
And Avantika came down the hill lighter —
not because she lost her hair,
but because she gained a memory she would smile about forever. ✨