Tirumala Brahmotsavam: No recommendation letters, special darshans, says TTD EO

TIRUMALA: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) executive officer (EO) AV Dharma Reddy has said that common devotees will be given utmost priority for darshan and recommendation letters will not be accepted during the twin Brahamotsavams to be held in Tirumala in September and October.

At a review meeting held at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala on Thursday, the TTD EO reviewed the preparations and arrangements for the nine-day celebrations of the annual Salakatla Brahmotsavams from September 18 to 26 with the district administration and heads of all TTD departments.

Speaking to media, Dharma Reddy said that fool proof arrangements were being made to ensure hassle-free darshan for the devotees during the twin Brahmotsavams. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy would offer silk robes to Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy on behalf of the State Government on September 18. He would also inaugurate the Srinivasa Sethu, a hostel building of SV Arts College in Tirupati and other rest houses at Tirumala on the same day.

The TTD EO said that the board would conduct Vahana Sevas in both morning and evening, while the prestigious Garuda Seva would commence from 7 pm by providing darshan to a maximum number of devotees. “Common devotees will get priority during Vahana Sevas and Srivari Mula Virat darshan. All privileged darshans for senior citizens, physically challenged, parents with infants etc will be cancelled and no recommendation letters will be entertained for VIP Break darshan during this period,” Dharma Reddy said.

Dharma Reddy said that as a special drive, as many as 1,000 devotees per day from SC/ST/BC and fishermen's colonies where TTD built SV Temple under SRIVANI Trust funds would be allowed for Brahmotsavam Darshan along with free transport, Annaprasadam and accommodation facilities. He said plying of two-wheelers would remain banned on Ghat roads on September 22, 2023 in view of Garuda Seva and all devotees would be provided with transport, medicare, security in coordination with district administration.

Among others, the TTD EO also said that German sheds would be set up for pilgrims, artists from nine states would present unique cultural programs in front of Vahana Sevas on Mada streets, experts from Kerala to supervise the parade of elephants, horses, bulls etc with special decorations. The current restrictions would continue for footpath walkers till fresh guidelines from the forest department, he added.

District Collector Venkataramana Reddy said four special officers were being appointed for coordination with TTD and also deputation of doctors, medicine from Ruia hospital etc. Superintendent of Police (SP) Parameswara Reddy said special security arrangements would be made during the Chief Minister’s visit, Garuda Seva, Chakra Snanam, foolproof vigilance on Mada streets, inner ring road, outer ring road, Alipiri checkpoint, traffic regulations and checkpoints outside Tirupati for vehicle scrutiny.

Tirupati Municipal Corporation Commissioner Haritha said an adequate number of sanitary workers would be deployed at the Railway Station, bus station and other crowded locations to keep the Temple City clean and garbage-free during Brahmotsavams. Tirumala temple, one of the chief archakas, Venugopal Deekshitulu, and other officials from the district administration and TTD were also present.