TTD expects 20% rise in pilgrim turnout for Navaratri Brahmotsavams

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During the Salakatla Brahmotsavams, an average of around 73,000 devotees had Moolavirat darshan every day, while effective planning helped keep the waiting time largely between five and eight hours, with a maximum of 10 hours. | Photo Credit: File photo

With the Navaratri Brahmotsavams of Lord Venkateswara scheduled to commence in a little over two weeks, TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary has directed all departments to work in close coordination to ensure that the festival is conducted with the same efficiency and enthusiasm as the recently concluded Salakatla Brahmotsavams.

Reviewing the arrangements at Tirumala on Monday along with JEO Prabhala Gopinath and CVSO Muralikrishna, Mr. Chowdary said corrective measures had already been initiated by various departments based on feedback received during the Salakatla Brahmotsavams.

As the Navaratri Brahmotsavams coincide with the Dasara holidays, the TTD is anticipating a 20% increase in pilgrim turnout. Arrangements are therefore being made for Annaprasadam, procurement, stocking, transportation and other logistics to meet the expected increase in demand.

Mr. Chowdary said priority would continue to be accorded to common devotees. During the Salakatla Brahmotsavams, an average of around 73,000 devotees had Moolavirat darshan every day, while effective planning helped keep the waiting time largely between five and eight hours, with a maximum of 10 hours. Necessary restrictions on VIP, privilege and other categories of darshan would be imposed whenever required to reduce the waiting time for common devotees, he said.

He directed the departments concerned to ensure seamless coordination in security arrangements, Vahana Sevas, SVBC live telecasts, cultural programmes and Nada Neerajanam during the festival.

In view of the possibility of rains in October, precautionary and alternative arrangements were also being planned in coordination with the district administration and the police. NDRF services would be utilised wherever necessary, he said.

Mr. Chowdary appealed to devotees to rely only on official information issued through TTD’s authorised platforms and plan their travel and darshan accordingly. He directed all departments to function as one team, with the convenience and safety of devotees and maintenance of a spiritual atmosphere as the primary focus during the Navaratri Brahmotsavams.

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