TTD braces for 20% more pilgrims at Navaratri Brahmotsavams
TTD expects a 20% rise in pilgrim turnout for Navaratri Brahmotsavams and is scaling up arrangements accordingly.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is preparing for a significant surge in devotees at the Navaratri Brahmotsavams of Lord Venkateswara, which begin in a little over two weeks. With the festival falling during the Dasara holidays, the temple body anticipates a 20% increase in pilgrim turnout compared with the recent Salakatla Brahmotsavams.
Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary reviewed the arrangements at Tirumala on Monday along with JEO Prabhala Gopinath and CVSO Muralikrishna. He instructed all departments to work in close coordination so that the festival is conducted with the same efficiency and enthusiasm as the Salakatla Brahmotsavams.
Corrective measures have already been initiated across departments based on feedback gathered during the earlier festival. Arrangements for Annaprasadam, procurement, stocking, transportation and other logistics are being scaled up to meet the expected rise in demand.
Mr. Chowdary said priority would continue to be given to common devotees. During the Salakatla Brahmotsavams, an average of around 73,000 devotees had Moolavirat darshan each day, and effective planning kept waiting times largely between five and eight hours, with a maximum of 10 hours. Restrictions on VIP, privilege and other categories of darshan will be imposed whenever required to reduce waiting time for ordinary pilgrims.
Departments have been directed to ensure seamless coordination in security arrangements, Vahana Sevas, SVBC live telecasts, cultural programmes and Nada Neerajanam. With rains possible in October, precautionary and alternative arrangements are being planned in coordination with the district administration and the police, and NDRF services will be utilised wherever necessary.
Mr. Chowdary appealed to devotees to rely only on official information issued through TTD's authorised platforms and to plan their travel and darshan accordingly. He asked all departments to function as one team, with the convenience and safety of devotees and the maintenance of a spiritual atmosphere as the primary focus during the festival.