TTD suspends all special darshan formats as it prepares for a pair of brahmotsavams

The TTD has asked all departments to strengthen queue management systems, ensure uninterrupted distribution of ‘annaprasadam’ at queue complexes, galleries and other key locations and complete all engineering work before the start of the festival. File | Photo credit: KR DEEPAK

With Tirumala set to host two brahmotsavams this year due to the occurrence of ‘adhika masam’, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has introduced a massive crowd management plan, suspending almost all special darshan categories during the annual festival and ordering all departments to complete preparations well in advance to handle the expected surge in pilgrims.

The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting chaired by TTD Additional Managing Director Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary at Padmavathi Guest House’s Sudharma Auditorium on Thursday.

Joint Managing Director Tirupati A. Sarath, Senior Director of Vigilance and Security Muralikrishna and senior officials from various departments were present.

Festival program

The prelude to ‘Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam’ will be performed on September 8, followed by ‘Ankurarpanam’ on September 14 and ‘Dhwajarohanam’ on September 15. ‘Garuda Seva’, the most important festival event which attracts thousands of devotees, was scheduled on September 19, while ‘Garuda Seva’ would be held on September 19 ‘Rat’Rat’Rat. 22 and 23 respectively. Vahana Sevas would be held twice daily between 8:00 am and 10:00 am and again from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Anticipating an exceptionally high turnout of pilgrims, the TTD has decided to cancel VIP Break Darshans throughout the Brahmotsavams, with the sole exception of protocol dignitaries. Darshan of facilities for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, parents with infants, NRIs and donors would also remain suspended during the festival.

Crowd control

The additional EO directed the Vigilance and Police departments to prepare comprehensive security, traffic and parking plans to ensure smooth regulation of pilgrims and avoid traffic jams across Tirumala. Departments have been instructed to strengthen queue management systems, ensure uninterrupted distribution of ‘annaprasadam’ at queue complexes, galleries and other key locations and complete all engineering work required for the convenience of devotees before the festival begins.

Officials have also been asked to maintain the highest standards of hygiene by deploying additional staff to keep toilets in the galleries and public areas clean throughout the festivities. Attractive electric lighting, fruit and flower displays have also been planned to enhance the festive atmosphere, while young volunteers will be mobilized as Srivari Sevaks to help the pilgrims.

Curbs on two-wheelers

To ease traffic congestion during ‘Garuda Seva’, two-wheelers will not be allowed on Tirumala ghat roads from 9:00 PM on September 18 to 6:00 AM on September 20.

The TTD has also directed officials to maintain sufficient stock of laddus to meet the increased demand during the festival and emphasized its focus on ensuring a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage experience during one of the temple’s biggest annual celebrations.

Published – 9 Jul 2026 20:22 IST