The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is making elaborate arrangements for the annual ‘Salakatla Brahmotsavams’ of Lord Venkateswara, scheduled from September 24 to October 2, according to its Chairman B.R. Naidu.

At a media briefing after presiding over the TTD board meeting at Annamayya Bhavan on Tuesday, Mr. Naidu said the festivities would commence with ‘Ankurarpanam’ on September 23, followed by the ceremonial ‘Dwajarohanam’ on September 24 in the auspicious ‘Meena Lagnam’ between 5.43 p.m. and 6.15 p.m.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would present a pair of silk ‘vastrams’ to the deity on behalf of the State government and take part in the ‘Pedda Sesha Vahanam Seva’ the same evening. He would also inaugurate the PAC-5 Venkatadri Nilayam Complex and release the TTD’s 2026 calendar and diary on September 25.

Satellite tech

“For the first time, the TTD will utilise the ISRO-supported satellite technology for estimating the pilgrim footfalls,” Mr. B.R. Naidu said.

Massive floral decorations, LED arches, giant display screens at key junctions, besides live global HD telecasts of the vahana sevas would be arranged. “Special darshan for the elderly, differently-abled, NRIs, and parents with infants will remain suspended during the festival, while break darshan will be restricted to protocol dignitaries,” he added.

Ban on two-wheeler entry

On ‘Garuda Seva’ day (September 28), two-wheeler entry into Tirumala would be barred. The trekking routes via Alipiri and Srivari Mettu would remain open round the clock. Geo-tagging of children would be taken up on a massive note and a stock of about eight lakh laddus maintained on all the days during the festival period.

The board also approved new temple constructions, including a 7-acre temple at Kolikoppa in Karnataka and 1,000 temples in Dalit localities across Andhra Pradesh.

“Criminal cases will be booked against those indulging in malicious propaganda against the institution,” he warned.