TIRUMALA:The five-day annual ‘Teppotsavam’ at Sri Vari temple tank (Pushkarini) in Tirumala began on Sunday evening.
The processional deities of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman were taken around the Mada Streets encircling the holy shire in grand procession before reaching the venue, Sri Vari Pushkarini (temple tank).
Later, the deities were mounted on the colourfully illuminated float and were dragged around the holy tank amidst religious fervour. Thousands of devotees congregated on the steps of the temple tank, hours in advance to enjoy the colourful festival. While ‘asthana vidwans’ played the ‘nadaswaram’, the temple priests recited verses from the holy scriptures. The entire programme lasted for more than one hour.
TTD executive officer Dr D Sambasiva Rao, additional CV and SO Sivakumar Reddy, deputy EO (temple) Chinnamgari Ramana, Peishkar Selvam and devotees took part.