6.46 lakh devotees visit Tirumala during festival

Metro India News | TIRUPATI

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman B.R. Naidu and Executive Officer M. Ravichandra thanked the officials, priests, employees, Srivari Sevaks, police, district administration, media and devotees for the successful conduct of Srivari Navaratri Brahmotsavams held between October 12 and 20.

Addressing the mediapersons at Annamayya Bhavan on Wednesday, the TTD Chairman said the nine-day festival concluded successfully due to coordinated efforts across the departments, despite heavy rains, particularly on Garuda Seva day.

According to TTD, 6.46 lakh devotees had darshan between October 12 and 19, while hundi offerings amounted to Rs.25.79 crore. The temple administration distributed 22.60 lakh Anna Prasadam packets, sold 34.34 lakh laddus and facilitated tonsure for 2.44 lakh devotees.

The APSRTC operated 13,608 trips from Tirupati to Tirumala, carrying 4.01 lakh pilgrims, and 13,667 return trips, transporting five lakh devotees.

Around 6,777 artistes from 252 troupes representing 26 States, besides Qatar and Dubai, performed cultural programmes during the festival. Floral decorations used nearly 60 tonnes of flowers, five lakh cut flowers and 80,000 seasonal flowers.

Security arrangements included 2,800 police personnel and 2,000 vigilance staff, with an additional 1,000 police personnel deployed on Garuda Seva day. Medical services included 75 doctors, 60 paramedical staff, 20 ambulances and four mobile clinics.

About 4,500 Srivari Seva volunteers participated in the arrangements, while 3,500 sanitation workers were deployed on Garuda Seva day. TTD also operated 39 electric buses, which transported thousands of devotees in 6,900 trips over ten days. Naidu expressed gratitude to devotees for their cooperation and praised all departments for ensuring pilgrim convenience and safety throughout the celebrations.