TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has made elaborate arrangements for the multitude of devotees, who are expected to throng Tirumala for the nine-day annual Brahmotsavams from Friday.
As a prelude to the commencement of the annual festival, the Ankurarpanam ritual was performed traditionally on Thursday night.
Addressing mediapersons at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala, TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao, along with Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will present the Pattu Vastrams to the Lord on behalf of the State government on the first day of Brahmotsavams.
“After getting Vedasirvachanam at Ranganayakula Mandapam, the Chief Minister will release the 2025 TTD calendars and diaries. Thereafter, he will take part in the Pedda Sesha Vahana Seva. On October 5, he will inaugurate the newly constructed Rs 13.45 crore modern temple kitchen behind the Panchajanyam Rest House,” he said.
Elaborating on the arrangements for the annual festival, he said the TTD has cancelled all Arjita Sevas, Anga Pradakshina and VIP break (except for protocol) darshan. On Garuda Seva day (October 8), even protocol darshan remains cancelled.
“We have kept a buffer stock of seven lakh laddus to meet the pilgrim demand. The accommodation capacity in Tirumala, including rest houses and Pilgrim Amenities Complexes, is 45,000 pilgrims. As we are anticipating around 3.5 lakh pilgrims for Garuda Seva, we have made all arrangements to meet the pilgrim needs. The galleries along the Four Mada Streets have been spruced up to accommodate nearly two lakh pilgrims,” he explained.
He said 3,000 round trips have been planned to transport three lakh pilgrims on the day of Garuda Seva in 400 plus RTC buses, and 2,000 round trips on other days.
3,900 police personnel & 1,250 TTD cops deployed to strengthen security
“We have increased the portions of Annaprasadam from 1.75 lakh last year to 2 lakh this year on Garuda Seva Day. Similarly, the drinking water points have also been increased, and an additional 600 sanitation workers have been deployed for the annual festival,” the EO said.
Apart from the existing five information counters, five more have been set up at Rambagicha, Ramastupam, PAC 2, opposite RTC bus stand and SV Museum for the benefit of pilgrims. A total of 28 LED screens have been set up at different places in Tirumala, and out of which 23 are in the Four Mada Streets, to telecast Vahana Seva proceedings live. They will function on all the days of Brahmotsavams this time unlike only three days last year. A total of 1,250 TTD cops, 3,900 police personnel have been deployed to strengthen security. On Garuda Seva day, 1,100 police personnel will be deployed to step up vigil, he elaborated.
“We have invited 4,000 Srivari Sevaks this year as against 3,000 last year to offer better services to pilgrims. Similarly, the medical facilities for pilgrims have also been enhanced. Parking for 9,000 vehicles in Tirumala and 6,000 in Tirupati has been arranged,” the EO said.
On Garuda Seva day, the ghat roads will be open 24x7 while the movement of two wheelers will be restricted from 9 pm on October 7 to 6 am on October 9. Artistes from 21 States have been approached for performance during Vahana Sevas this year as against 12 last time. Confirmation has been received from 19 States, the TTD EO added.
JEOs Goutami and Veerabrahmam, Chief Vigilance and Security Officer Sridhar, and other officials were present.