Bengaluru: This year’s annual Salakatla Brahmotsava will be celebrated with grandeur from September 24 to October 2 in Tirupati, one of South India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Preparations are in full swing to ensure the festival runs smoothly.

Ankurarpanam to Mark Start of Festivities
The Brahmotsava will officially begin on September 23 with the sacred Ankurarpanam (sowing of seeds) ritual, said S. Naresh Kumar, member of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). The ceremony is believed to ensure the festival proceeds without any hindrance. The main highlight will be the Dhwajarohanam (flag hoisting) on September 24, when the Garuda flag is hoisted to invite the deities and sages to the festival.

Key Days and Rituals

  • September 24 (Wednesday): Dhwajarohanam, night Pedda Shesha Vahanam.
  • September 28 (Sunday): Garuda Seva, the festival’s most important event, attracting lakhs of devotees.
  • October 1 (Wednesday): Morning Rathotsavam.
  • October 2 (Thursday): Chakra Snanam and Dhwajavarohanam (flag lowering) conclude the festival.

Devotee Facilities and Arrangements
TTD, in coordination with district administration and police, has ensured all arrangements for devotees’ convenience. 36 LED screens will broadcast vehicle services, and 1.16 lakh special darshan tickets and 25,000 SSD tokens will be distributed daily (except Garuda Seva Day). VIP break darshan is restricted to in-person VIPs, and all other privilege darshans have been cancelled.

Around 8 lakh laddus will be prepared daily. 20 help centres have been set up to guide devotees, while 14 types of snacks will be served on Garuda Seva Day. Annaprasadam will be available from 8 am to 11 pm at the Annaprasadam Complex.

Transport and Accommodation
Tirumala can accommodate about 4,000 vehicles, while Tirupati offers 5,250 two-wheeler and 2,700 four-wheeler parking slots. RTC buses will shuttle devotees, with 1,900 trips on regular days and 3,200 trips on Garuda Seva Day. During the nine-day festival, 3,500 rooms will be allotted offline, prioritising general devotees.

Security and Medical Support
For safety, 2,000 TTD security personnel, 4,700 police officers, 3,500 Srivari Sevaks, and 450 senior TTD officers have been deployed. 3,000 CCTV cameras will monitor the premises. Medical coverage includes 50 doctors, 60 paramedics, and multiple ambulances. Sanitation is managed by 3,260 personnel, including 1,150 Keshamunda staff.

Cultural Performances
For the first time, 298 cultural groups from 28 states will perform during the festival, with 37 groups presenting their art forms on Garuda Seva Day.

Special Puja in Bengaluru
A special 10-day puja has been organised at the Vyalikaval temple in Bengaluru, said Jayanthi, Superintendent of Bangalore TTD Temple. Devotees can participate and enjoy the elaborate decoration of the deity.