Decades old tradition: Tirupati umbrellas taken out in procession

Tirupathi Umbrella Charities – Annual Tirupathi Umbrellas kicks off the parade on Wednesday at Kandappa Chetty Street in Chennai. | Photo credit: R. Ragu

Eleven white silk umbrellas meant for the annual Brahmotsavam at Tirumala Tirupati Temple were disconnected from Tirupati Umbrella Charities on Kandappa Chetty Street on Wednesday evening. According to S. Varadharajul, the tradition of sending umbrellas began in his family at least five generations ago. “We have been sending them for more than 170 years. Devotees living along Audiappa Naicken Street, Govindappa Naicker Street, NSC Bose Road and Varada Muthiappan Street watched the umbrella procession that will reach Tirumala on September 19.

Published – 16 Sep 2026 21:50 IST