Tirupati’s Grand Celebration
The annual Srivari Brahmotsavams, spanning nine days, have commenced in Tirupati, marked by elaborate preparations and festive arrangements at the temple. These celebrations are designed to ensure a smooth darshan (sacred viewing) and vahana sevas (processions) for pilgrims.
Anticipated Devotee Turnout
Officials from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) have estimated that at least 3 lakh devotees will visit on the day of Garuda Seva, with priority given to common devotees. Around 25,000 to 30,000 tokens will be manually distributed at Vishnu Nivasam complex, Tirupati Srinivasam complex, and Divya Darshan tokens will be available at Bhudevi complex in Alipiri. Additionally, 45,000 pilgrims can directly access the queue complexes without requiring tickets or tokens.
Stringent Security Measures
In preparation for the event, arrangements have been overseen by the commander-in-chief Sri Vishvaksenulavaru, and the shrine was inspected by the Director-General of Police (DGP) over the weekend. To ensure safety, security has been bolstered in the temple town, with 4,900 police personnel and 1,900 TTD employees deployed.
Feeding the Devotees
TTD has made adequate provisions to serve food to at least 2 lakh devotees, with an additional buffer stock of six lakh laddus prepared daily. The health department has also hired approximately 3,000 workers exclusively for the nine-day event to manage sanitation.
CM Jagan Reddy’s Offering
Furthermore, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy is scheduled to present silk robes to Lord Venkateswara on Monday evening. In anticipation of the event, Ankurarpanam, a traditional ritual, was performed on Sunday evening, setting the stage for the grand celebrations to follow.