COVID protocol must for Srivari devotees during annual Brahmotsavams: TTD Chairman

Tirumala: The Srivari Salakatla (annual) Brahmotsavams will be conducted in a grand manner this year from September 27 to October 5, and all the devotees who are participating in the mega religious event are requested to follow Covid protocols for their personal safety as well others, said Tirumala tirupati devasthanam (TTD) Chairman YV Subba Reddy.

Addressing media persons after detailed discussions with TTD, district and police officials on the arrangements of ensuing Srivari annual Brahmotsavams at Annamaiah Bhavan here, Reddy said on the first day of annual fete on September 27, Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy will present pattu vastrams to Sri Venkateswara Swamy on behalf of the state government.

Prominent vahana sevas during the Brahmotsavams are Garuda Vahana Seva on October 1, Swarna Ratham on October 2, Rathotsavam on October 4, Chakra Snanam on October 5.

On the first day due to Dwajarohanam event, the Pedda Sesha vahana will commence at 9pm but on all other days vahana sevas are scheduled between 8 am and 10 am in the mornings and 7pm to 9pm in the evenings, he said.

Giving priority to common devotees, all privileged, SRIVANI, Rs. 300, Arjitha Sevas, VIP Break (except protocol VIPs) Darshans have been cancelled during these nine -days events and only Sarva Darshanam will remain operational, the Chairman said.

Elaborate arrangements are being made for the Garuda Seva as it falls on the second Saturday of Peratasi month, which is very special for the devotees from Tamilnadu, he said a buffer stock of 9 lakh laddus will be maintained.

Adequate number of APSRTC buses deployed for devotees and particularly on Garuda Seva day more buses will be operated, he said.

As this year nearly 4-5 lakhs pilgrims are expected for Garuda Seva, 20 thousand vehicles are also anticipated. But once the holding capacity of vehicles in Tirumala is completed, separate parking facilities will be arranged in Tirupati and devotees will be transported to Tirumala through RTC buses, he informed.

To meet the pilgrim requirements German sheds will also be erected at some vital places with temporary wash room facilities

As a safety measure on Garuda Seva day and next day the 2-wheelers movement on the Ghat roads will be stalled from 11pm of September 30 till 12 noon of October 2, he said.

The artists from Tribal, rural and backward areas will be given opportunities to perform before the vahana sevas this year to encourage their folk arts apart from inviting artistes from other states, he said.

3500 Srivari Sevakulu will be invited to serve devotees during Brahmotsavams, he added.

TTD Executive officer AV Dharma Reddy, District Collector Venkatramana Reddy, JEOs Sada Bhargavi, Veerabrahmam, CVSO Narasimha Kishore, district police and other officials were also present. (UNI)