Preparations for annual Ratha Sapthami on Tirumala reviewed

With the annual ‘Rathasapthami’ festival round the corner the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) undertook a comprehensive review of arrangements being made for the festival scheduled on January 25. The festival in local parlance is also known as ‘Surya Jayanthi’ festival or ‘Mini Brahmotsavam’.

Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary chaired a high-level meeting underscoring the need for meticulous planning and seamless coordination. In connection with the festival, the TTD has dispensed with the performance of all arjitha sevas inside the temple as well as various formats of privileged darshans.

Slotted Sarva Darshan (SSD) tokens also will not be issued in Tirupati from January 24 to 26, while VIP break darshans are cancelled except for protocol dignitaries. Recommendation letters for break darshans will not be accepted on January 24.

The review, attended among others by Joint Executive Officer Veerabrahmam, CVSO Murali Krishna and Tirumala Additional SP Ramakrishna, focused on security architecture, crowd regulation and logistical preparedness for the day-long religious spectacle that draws lakhs of devotees. Recalling the smooth conduct of the recent Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan, Mr. Chowdary urged officials to replicate the same operational precision and inter-departmental synergy for Rathasapthami.

Officials were directed to anticipate pilgrim inflow and align arrangements in coordination with Vigilance, Security and Police wings. Traffic management, parking regulation and deployment of emergency response teams were identified as priority areas. Emphasis was also laid on continuous surveillance of ghat road movement, comprehensive bandobast and clearly defined protocols for swift vehicle evacuation during exigencies.

The deliberations spanned preparations by Engineering, Annaprasadam, Sanitation, Srivari Sevaks, Medical services, illumination and LED displays, floral décor, cultural troupes, SVBC live coverage, publicity and social media outreach. Senior TTD, Vigilance and Police officials participated in the review.

The Rathasapthami festival will feature eight Vahana Sevas of Lord Venkateswara, beginning with Surya Prabha Vahanam at dawn and concluding with Chandra Prabha Vahanam at night, besides the sacred Chakra Snanam in the afternoon.