On Sunday, Tirumala was enveloped in an extraordinary wave of devotion as over two lakh pilgrims, arriving from every corner of the nation, gathered to witness the highly revered ‘Garuda Seva’. This sacred event marks the spiritual zenith of the ongoing annual Brahmotsavams festival.
From the first light of dawn, the temple town buzzed with fervent activity. Tens of thousands of devotees, many of whom had spent the entire Saturday night in the mada streets to secure the best vantage points for the divine procession, were now fully immersed in the joyous festive atmosphere.
By noon, the expansive open-top galleries lining the procession route, designed to accommodate approximately 1.75 lakh devotees, had reached their maximum capacity, presenting a challenging moment for the organizing authorities.
However, the day proceeded with remarkable efficiency, demonstrating exemplary crowd management and seamless coordination across multiple departments.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), along with Police, Vigilance, and Security teams, and the district administration, worked tirelessly in perfect harmony to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for the massive influx of pilgrims.
TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal and District SP L. Subbarayudu personally oversaw all arrangements, meticulously monitoring every detail to prevent any congestion or discomfort.
Food and water arrangements
Devotees in the galleries and darshan queues received an uninterrupted supply of complimentary food and drinking water. Additionally, medical and emergency services were on standby, fully prepared to address any unforeseen situations.
Vehicular access within Tirumala was allowed only until the afternoon, after which traffic was rerouted to the outer ring road to facilitate unhindered movement for pedestrians. With all hill-top parking areas completely full, pilgrims arriving late were directed to park their vehicles in Tirupati and utilize public transport to reach the shrine. This measure significantly eased congestion and maintained an orderly flow of visitors.
Pilgrims praise the arrangements
When approached by media personnel, pilgrims expressed overwhelming praise for the flawless planning and exceptional facilities provided for the grand festival. Many attributed the smooth and memorable experience to the efforts of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Earlier in the day, Lord Malayappa captivated onlookers in his enchanting ‘Mohini Avataram’, adorned in splendid female attire, dazzling jewels, and rich silk robes. He rode a beautifully decorated ivory palanquin, preceded by numerous bhajan and cultural troupes, and the ‘Veda Gosti’ led by the temple pontiffs. A separate palanquin also carried the idol of Lord Krishna, adding to the spiritual grandeur of the morning.