Civil, electrical works to be completed by August end

 Tirumala: TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal said all the civil and electrical works will be completed by the end of August for the ensuing twin Brahmotsavams, A two-hour long review meeting on Brahmotsvams-2018 preparatory works took place at Annamaiah Bhavan on Tuesday. Chittoor District Collector Pradyumna and Tirupati Urban SP  Abhishek Mohanty also participated in the high-level meeting.

Later, speaking to media persons, the TTD Executive Officer said the civil and electrical works taken up for Brahmotsavams will be completed by August 31.

He said that Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavams will be held from September 13 to 21. The important days of the nine-day festival include Dhwajarohanam on September 13, Garuda Seva on September 17, Swarnaratham procession on September 18, Rathotsavam on September 20, Chakrasnanam and Dhwajavarohanam on September 21.

The Executive officer said that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will present silk clothes to the presided deity Lord Venkateswara on behalf of the State government on September 13.   

Singhal said the Navaratri Brahmotsavams will be held at Tirumala from October 10 to 18. The important days of the fete include Garuda Seva on October 14, Swarna Ratham procession on October 17 and Chakrasnanam on October 18.

“After consulting Agama Advisors, temple priests, Tirumala Jeeyar Swamis, the change in Vahana seva timings will be implemented this year.  Morning Vahana Sevas will be conducted between 9 am and 11 am, evening Vahana Sevas between 8 pm and 10 pm and Garuda Seva from 7 pm and midnight,” the EO said.

Singhal said that the TTD would ensure wide publicity for Brahmotsavams.  “We have instructed the SVBC and PRO department officials to provide wide publicity on Brahmotsavams through SVBC, other channels, print media, pamphlets, posters etc,” the EO said All privilege darshans will be cancelled during the festival days as in previous years.  

No Break darshan even to protocol VIPs on Garuda Seva days during the two Brahmotsavams. Cultural troupes coming from eight to 10 States of the country will perform during the Brahmotsavams. The TTD vigilance staff and police will work in coordination to provide enhanced security arrangements.

Scouts and guides, Srivari Sevakulu will render their services to monitor pilgrim crowd and ensure supply of food and water to pilgrims.  Additional buses will be operated by APSRTC. In all, 12 ambulances will be deployed during the mega event, the EO said. Tirumala JEO  K S Sreenivasa Raju, Tirupati JEO  P Bhaskar and other senior officials were also present.