TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams officials have set the stage for Garuda Seva, the most important Vahana Seva of the nine-day annual Salakatla Brahmotsavams. Garuda Seva attracts thousands of people from various parts of the country. Officials said a large number of pilgrims from Tirupati and neighbouring Tamil Nadu, who arrive to witness the festival, stand in queues for hours together just to catch a glimpse of the Lord on Garuda Vahanam.
Considering the pilgrim rush so far, officials have taken additional precautions for conducting the rest of the event smoothly. Officials said they were mainly focusing on providing tight security and proper amenities for the pilgrims. Tirupati Urban SP Gopinath Jatti is said to have instructed his men about the do’s and don’ts of their duties during the Brahmotsavams. An additional 1,768 police force is said to have been deployed at Tirumala on Monday.
TTD executive officer M G Gopal, Collector Siddharth Jain and Jatti held a meeting with district revenue and municipal authorities on various issues, especially the maintenance and security of vehicles at Allipiri parking area.