Tirumala gears up for ‘Ratha Saptami’ on January 25

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is all set to celebrate ‘Ratha Saptami’, one of the most significant festivals in its calendar, with grandeur on January 25, says TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu.

Addressing the media in Tirumala on Thursday, Mr. Naidu, along with Executive Officer A.K. Singhal, Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary and Trust Board members, outlined the arrangements made to manage the expected surge of pilgrims.

The highlight of the festival would be the celestial procession of Lord Malayappa Swamy, riding seven vahanams from 5.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. along the four mada streets. The sacred ‘Chakra Snanam’ was scheduled between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Anticipating massive crowds, the TTD cancelled all Arjita Sevas and privileged darshans, including those for senior citizens, parents with infants, NRIs, the physically challenged, and VIP break darshans, except for protocol dignitaries. Issuance of Slotted Sarva Darshan (SDD) tokens in Tirupati had also been suspended.

‘Annaprasadam’

The TTD would provide ‘annaprasadam’, comprising 14 varieties, through 85 food counters from morning till night. Nearly 3,700 Srivari Sevaks would be deployed to assist the pilgrims, the TTD Chairman said.

Security had been significantly strengthened with 1,300 police personnel and 1,200 Vigilance staff working under a Standard Operating Procedure, in coordination with the district police. Public address systems would relay essential information in multiple languages round the clock.

APSRTC would operate 2,300 bus services, up from 1,900 the previous year, to manage pilgrim movement. Adding cultural splendour, over 1,000 artistes would present 56 traditional art forms alongside the vahana processions. Enhanced sanitation and medical services would also be in place to ensure a safe and seamless spiritual experience.

Earlier, Mr. Naidu went on an inspection spree, supervising the arrangements made for the festival.