Hyderabad sources have reported that Chilkur Balaji priest Soundara Rangarajan found fault with “English New Year” which is widely celebrated across the country. Meanwhile, he warned that he would make people squat if he finds anyone extending greetings to him or others marking the occasion. Further, he called upon people to celebrate New Year on Ugadi, which is the new year day for Telugu Hindus.
Rangarajan said "We should protect our culture and Sanatana Dharma. We should celebrate Ugadi as our new year. Ekadasi, Amavasya, Pournami, Karthika Masam, Dhanurmasam should be the occasions, but not December 31. For Marathas Gudipadwa is the traditional new year, Baisakhi for Punjabis, Deepawali is the new year for Gujaratis".
Moreover the priest, who is said to be a disciplined man known to instruct devotees to have darshan in traditional attire and avoid jeans and T-shirts. Furthermore, the popular belief goes that Lord Balaji in Chilkur is also revered as Visa God for aspirants who seek a visa to work abroad.
