Stage set for annual Brahmotsavams

The hill shrine town of Tirumala has geared up for the nine-day annual Brahmotsavams, which will commence from Wednesday.

As per tradition, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will present the "silk vastrams" on the first day of Brahmotsavams.

Garuda Seva will take place on September 17, Swarna Ratham on September 18, Rathotsavam on September 20 and Chakra Snanam on September 21. This year, the vahana sevas will commence by 8 pm and the Garuda Seva by 7pm.

Elaborating on security arrangements, the TTD EO Anil Kumar Singhal said that about 3,000 police officers will keep vigil over the mega-event.

An additional 1,000 personnel will take care of the security aspects for Garuda Seva. Apart from this, 3,000 srivari sevakulu and 1,000 scouts and guides will also render services to pilgrims, while the NDRF team and specialised swimmers will work under the instructions of Chief Vigilance Officer, he said.

In addition, 31 LED screens, 11 first aid centres, 12 ambulances and 800 additional sanitation staffers have been deployed for the annual fete.

Parking accommodation for 7,000 vehicles has also been created. Parking has also been created near Alipiri. The Ghat roads remain open for 24 hours during these days. Cultural teams from Manipur, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh will take part this year, apart from the southern states.

All the engineering works, annaprasadam, health and accommodation allotments were completed. No donor privileges will be entertained during annual fete. The vahana sevas will be telecast live on the SVBC for the sake of global pilgrims.

Tirumala JEO K S Sreenivasa Raju said there will be no special entry darshan or sarva darshanam tokens on Garuda seva day.

The Divya Darshanam tokens will not be issued on September 16 and 17. Two-wheelers will not be allowed to ply on ghat roads on Garuda Seva day in view of the safety of pilgrims, as a heavy rush is anticipated.