Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Tirumala's Brahmotsavams Carry a More Than Thousand-Year Tradition Forward
Brahmotsavams is a major festival held at the Tirumala temple.
It lasts for nine days and includes religious ceremonies and processions.
Lord Malayappa Swamy is carried on different vahanams, or ceremonial vehicles.
The Garuda Seva is the most popular procession and may bring more than three lakh devotees.
Temple tradition says Lord Brahma began the festival long ago.
Inscriptions show that the celebrations were already being held by the 10th century.
Kings and temple leaders helped the festival grow over many centuries.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams now organizes services such as transport, security and medical care.
This year, an extra month in the religious calendar means there will be two Brahmotsavams.
The nine-day Srivari Brahmotsavams will be held at Tirumala from September 15 to 23, with Ankurarpana on September 14.
Lord Malayappa Swamy will be taken in procession on different vahanams, with Garuda Seva expected to attract more than three lakh devotees.
Temple tradition attributes the festival’s origin to Lord Brahma, while inscriptions document its development by the 10th century.
Historical records describe the festival’s expansion under the Chola, Yadavaraya and Vijayanagara periods, including multiple annual celebrations.
Because of Adhika Masam, Tirumala will host a second Brahmotsavam from October 12 to 20 this year.
- Who
- Lord Malayappa Swamy, devotees, temple officials and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams are central to the celebrations.
- What
- The annual Srivari Brahmotsavams, featuring rituals and vahana processions, will be conducted at Tirumala.
- When
- The first festival is scheduled for September 15–23, with Ankurarpana on September 14; the second is scheduled for October 12–20.
- Where
- Tirumala, near Tirupati, at the temple of Lord Venkateswara.
- Why
- The festival is held as a continuing religious tradition, with the second observance added this year because of Adhika Masam.
- First Brahmotsavam
- September 15–23
- Ankurarpana
- Evening of September 14
- Second Brahmotsavam
- October 12–20
- Major procession
- Garuda Seva on the fifth-day evening
- Expected Garuda Seva attendance
- More than three lakh devotees
- Historical evidence
- A 966 CE inscription records a contribution by Pallava Queen Samavai Sri Perundevi
- Current administration
- Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has managed the temple institutionally since 1933