Navaratri Brahmotsavam Celebrations

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) authorities are geared up for the smooth conduct of the annual 9-day Navaratri Brahmotsavam scheduled to begin from October 8th, stated TTD Joint Executive Officer K Bhaskar.

Talking to media persons, Bhaskar said that due to 'Adhika Masam' (extra month) this year with 13 months against the usual 12 months in the traditional Hindu lunar calendar, 2 Brahmotsavams lasting 9 days each would be conducted this year. This occurs once in 4 years, he revealed.

While the 'Salaktla' Brahmotsavam was held from September 11th, the 'Navaratri' Brahmotsavam will be conducted from October 8th, Bhaskar said.

As a prelude to Brahmotsavam festivals, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, on Thursday, performed 'Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam', the purification ceremony.

An interesting feature of the upcoming Brahmotsavams is that neither Dhwajarohanam nor Dhwaja Avarohanam will be performed inside the temple, as the festival is being conducted for the 2nd time this year owing to the 'Adhika Masam'.

The important days of the festival are the Garuda Seva on October 12th, Pushpaka Vimanam on October 13th and the Golden Chariot festival on October 15th. The festival will conclude on October 16th with 'Chakrasnanam'.

Meanwhile, 3,000 security persons have been deployed to provide security at Tirumala, including on the 7 km long walkers' stone stairway leading to the hill shrine from Tirupati, and on the ghat roads on the hills.

Sources say that 200 closed circuit surveillance cameras have been placed at several places as a security measure during the Brahmotsavam period.

The TTD has made elaborate arrangements for the daily processions of the Lord, which form the core of the 9-day festival.

With the Dussehra holidays coinciding with the Brahmotsavams, the TTD management is expecting a heavy turnout of pilgrims. The TTD said that accommodation will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis.

To provide hassle-free darshan for devotees, the TTD has cancelled Vasanthotsavam and Sahasra Deeparchana rituals.

Chief Minister K Rosaiah will visit the hill shrine at Tirumala on October 14th to present silk clothes on behalf of the State government and seek blessings of Lord Venkateswara.

Courtesy: INN