Nellore: The hill town of Tirumala has geared up for the nine-day annual Brahmotsavam which will begin on September 13. During a Press Conference held at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala on Tuesday, TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal told media persons that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will present the ‘silk vastrams’ on the first day of Brahmotsavam on September 13. The other important days includes Garuda Seva on September 17, Swarna Ratham on September 18, Rathotsavam on September 20 and Chakra Snanam on September 21.
This year, on evenings, Vahana Sevas will commence by 8 pm while Garuda Seva by 7 pm, the EO said. Elaborating on security arrangements, the EO said that around 3,000 police personnel will monitor the mega event, apart from TTD Vigilance. For Garuda Seva, an additional 1,000 personnel will take care of the security aspects. Besides 3,000 Srivari Sevakulu, 1,000 scouts and guides will also render services to pilgrims while the NDRF team and specialised swimmers will work under the instructions of the CVSO, he said.
The EO said that 31 LED screens, 11 first aid centres, 12 ambulances and 800 additional sanitation staff have been deployed for the annual fete. A parking place has also been created to accommodate 7,000 vehicles. Parking space has also been created near Alipiri. Ghat roads will remain open for 24 hours during these days. Cultural teams from Manipur, Gujarat and UP also will take part this year, apart from southern states. All the engineering works, annaprasadam, health, accommodation allotments have been completed. No donor privileges will be entertained during the annual fete.
Vahana sevas will be live telecast on SVBC for the sake of global pilgrims. All our officers, police and district administration are working in coordination towards the success of this mega religious event, the EO asserted. Later Tirumala JEO K.S. Sreenivasa Raju said that there will be no Special Entry Darshan and that Sarva Darshanam tokens will be issued on Garuda Seva day. The Divya Darshanam tokens will not be issued on September 16 and 17. Two wheelers will not be allowed to ply on Ghat Roads on Garuda Seva Day in view of safety of pilgrims in the wake of anticipated heavy pilgrim rush. Tirupati JEO P. Bhaskar, CVSO In-charge Siva kumar Reddy, CE Chandrasekhar Reddy and other senior officers were also present.
