In the spiritually charged land of Tirumala, everyday is a celebration of faith and devotion. Needless to say, every festival in Tirumala is a beautiful expression of deep seated beliefs and timeless cultural etiquettes.
Tirumala sees a huge stream of devotees everyday, but Hindu festive days multiplies the footsteps multifold. As you take each step towards the temple, the enchanting clangs of the temple bells, the vivid floral decorations, and the auspicious chants fill the air with joy and reverence.
Festivals in Tirumala
Past meets present & traditions come alive!
Tirumala Tirupati Balaji temple is seen as a land of ‘Nitya Kalyanam Paccha Thoranam’ denoting that every day is a festival. It is indeed amazing to observe that around 433 festivals are celebrated in a year.
There are many local festivals and rituals celebrated almost every day in the temple of Tirumala. Not surprising! In this land of spiritual salvation, each day is a celebration of life and divinity!
From Teppotsavam (float festival), Sri Padmavathi Parinayam Utsavams, Pushpa Yagam, Pushpa Pallaki, the spring festival of Vasanthotsavam, all celebrations pay an ode to our rich heritage and culture.
Here we shed light on the 8 festivals that light up the atmosphere in tirumala.
1. Tirupati Brahmotsavam – (September/October)
This 9 day annual festival celebrates Lord Venkateswara’s journey from Vaikuntha to Earth.
The 4 mada streets of Tirumala are decorated with decorations and the temple complex is illuminated with thousands of lights. A magnificent sight indeed!
More than a spiritual event, Brahmotsavam celebrates the magic of life. Infact, the festivities are like a cultural extravaganza and delights with cultural events, devotional songs, and food stalls. Each day has a special spiritual significance and the ‘Rathotsavam’ (the chariot procession) is the highlight that the devotees look forward to.
The processional deity Malayappa Swamy along with his consorts Sri Devi and BhuDevi is taken on a procession, mounted on different vahanas – beautifully adorned chariots, palanquins, and an elephant. The devotees immerse themselves in the grandeur of the celebrations, enwrap themselves in a divine aura, and pray with a heartfelt yearning. The devotees throng the festivities, especially on Garuda Vahanam procession, for it is considered extra auspicious as Garuda is the traditional vanaham of Lord Vishnu.
2. Vaikuntha Ekadasi – (December/January)
Vaikunta is the heavenly abode of Lord Venkateswara, and scriptures specify that the doors to Vaikunta are open on the auspicious day of Vaikunta Ekadasi. This special day is marked by special prayers, processions, and the darshan of the almighty lord in the garbha griha through the Vaikunta Dwaram (considered as the gateway to Vaikunta) It is believed that a darshan on this day is a wonderful way to attain spiritual enlightenment and salvation. Fasting and performing prayers on this auspicious day is believed to have the power to wash away sins and lead to ultimate liberation from the circle of life.
3. Rathasapthami – (February)
This auspicious day celebrates the 7th day of the sun’s transition towards the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the powerful sun rays fall directly over the presiding deity, and it is considered auspicious to seek the lord’s blessings as he shines brighter than the sun. Lord Venkateswara is taken around the temple town on the sun chariot ‘Surya Prabha Vahana’.
4. Ugadi – (March/April)
Ugadi, the Telugu New year is celebrated with pomp and grandeur in Tirumala. The festivities kick off with cultural programs, special prayers, and culminates in the distribution of Ugadi Pachadi, a special dish made with 6 flavours that symbolise the 6 emotions in life.
5. Rama Navami – (March/April)
Rama Navami is celebrated with pomp and grandeur in Tirumala temple. Lord Rama who was born to usher in dharma by ridding the earth of Adharma, is honoured on this beautiful day. On that day, in the evening, the Utsava Murthi of Lord Rama is mounted on Hanuman Vahanam and taken along the 4 mada streets, accompanied by musicians with traditional musical instruments.
The same evening, the Utsava Murthis of Lord Rama, Sita Devi, and Lakshmana arrive in Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam in front of the Bangaru Vakili. The Lord Hanuman procession reaches the spot at the same time. The Ram Parivar is displayed in glorious charm for the devotees to seek blessings. Poojas are performed and Neivedyam is offered to the almighty.
The Bala Kandam of Ramayana is chanted and a maha arati is offered at the end. The day after Rama Navami, the Pattabhisekam of Sri Rama is performed and is witnessed by Lord Venkateswara. The whole day will be rife with celebrations to honour the coronation ceremony.
6. Krishna Janmashtami – (August)
Krishna Janmashtami and Utlotsavam festivals take a special fervour in Tirumala temple, at the Gobargha Gardens. The morning air is filled with Vedic chants and music. Special Abhishekams are performed to Sri Krishna with cow milk, perugu, honey, parimala, sandal, and other scented liquids. Later he bestows blessings to his devotees adorning a silk head gear, uttariyam, dhoti, and colourful garlands. Special anna prasadams are prepared as an offering to the almighty. Various fun competitions are conducted for the youth.
The same evening, in front of the Bangaru Vakili, Ekantha Titumanjanam is performed to the Utsava Murthis of Srinivasa, Sri Devi, Bhu Devi, and Sri Krishna.
After this the decorated utsava vigraha of Sri Krishna in a reclining position, and holding a butter vessel in his hand is mounted on the Golden Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam and taken into the sannidhi of the temple amidst recitals of Divya Prabandha Parayanam and Srimad Bhagavatam. The Neivedyam and arati are the grand finale to this spiritually charged day.
7. Diwali – (October/November)
During the festival of lights, the temple complex lights up with the majestic glow of lamps and emanates a spellbinding aura of harmony. On Diwali day, special prayers are offered to Lord Venkateswara, and the temple priests perform the ‘Maha Deepa Arathana,’ a grand ritual where thousands of lamps are lit in and around the temple premises. The lamps symbolise the victory of good over evil, as are believed to drive away negative energies.
On the day of Diwali, the presiding lord is taken on a procession atop the Sri Malayappa Swamy Vahanam. As the procession lights up the temple town, the sounds of temple bells and chants cast a mesmerising spell on the devotees.
8. Navaratri – (September/October)
During Navratri, the temple complex is decorated with flowers and colourful lamps. Special prayers are offered to Lord Venkateswara and his consorts for all 9 nights. On this beautiful occasion, Lord Venkateswara and his consorts are adorned with beautiful jewels and silk garments and taken on procession across the temple town. This grand ritual is called Kalyanotsavam.
On the 9th day of Navaratri (Maha Navami,) the temple priests perform special Abhishekams and Alankaram to the presiding deity. Various cultural events and competitions are held.
Undertake a pilgrimage to Tirupati Balaji Temple with your loved ones, and enrich your lives with positivity, prosperity, and tranquility. Undertaking a pilgrimage on festive days will give you extra delight due to the delightful competitions and the banters of the vibrant crowd from various parts of the world. The air lights up with sparks of magic, enchantment, and promises of a beautiful future.
