hundi

plural hundis · plural hundies · alternative hundee

1. countableuncountableSynonym of hawala (“informal system of money transfer from India and the Middle East”).

   Synonyms: hawala

2. countableuncountableA collection box used in Indian temples to collect cash offerings from devotees.

   1 more example

   Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) runs one of India's most elaborate donation-management systems. With hundi offerings of Rs 1,738 crore in 2025-26—about Rs 4.75 crore a day—the temple has to replace 12-18 cash receptacles daily. The sealed hundis are moved under tight security to the Parakamani counting centre, where CCTVs monitor their opening in the presence of senior officials and vigilance staff. Cash is counted by machine, monitored in real time and deposited alternately with SBI and Union Bank. Jewels are valued by appraisers, sealed and sent to the treasury. Everyone is searched while exiting; TTD is now expanding automation to reduce manual handling.

   2026 July 13, “How big temples guard their donations”, in India Today, volume 51, number 27, page 30