TTD Next EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary presiding over the review meeting of the upcoming float festival in Tirumala on Monday. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Monday conducted a large-scale review meeting of the upcoming ‘Teppotsavam’ (Floating Festival) at the Sudharma Conference Hall at Sri Padmavathi Guest House in Tirumala.
Another executive of TTD Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary directed officials to ensure smooth arrangements for the five-day swimming festival scheduled from February 26 to March 2, stressing that devotees should not face any inconvenience during the celebrations.
A trial run of the festival will be held on February 23 to assess capacity and logistics while arrangements are made to maintain adequate water levels in the sacred Pushkarini.
The temple tank and float will be illuminated with attractive electric lighting and special pandals will be erected at the Varaha Swamy temple and along the four ‘mada’ streets. A comprehensive public address system will guide the devotees and explain the significance of the festival.
Devotees will not be allowed to bathe in Pushkarini from February 20 to March 5. Increased security will be deployed, including lifeguards at entry and exit points. Due to the festivities, the sevas selection booth was canceled during the five-day period.
While revising the arrangements for ‘Kumaradhara Theertha Mukkoti’ on March 3, Mr. Chowdary also announced a restricted trekking time from 5:00 am to 10:00 am to the sacred ‘Theertham’ (water body) located nearly 8 km in the forests.
The temple will also remain closed from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM due to the lunar eclipse on March 3, with sevas suspended and ‘Annaprasadam’ stopped after 9:00 AM. Devotees were encouraged to plan their visit accordingly.
Published – 16 Feb 2026 20:25 IST