Tirumala packed with devotees for grand Garuda Seva

Tirumala: Tirumala turned into a sea of devotees on Saturday as thousands thronged the hill shrine to witness the Garuda Vahana Seva, the most awaited procession of the annual Brahmotsavams of Lord Venkateswara.

The four Mada streets around the temple were packed with devotees by noon, with many pilgrims arriving in Tirumala a day in advance to find suitable places to watch the procession. With parking areas reaching full capacity, the police restricted the movement of four-wheelers on the ghat road from noon. Two-wheelers had already been barred from the ghat road since morning.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) put in place elaborate arrangements to manage the large gathering. Food, drinking water and buttermilk were supplied at several points, while TTD personnel, police and Srivari Seva volunteers worked together to regulate the crowds and assist pilgrims. Garuda Seva commenced at 6.30 pm amid chants of ‘Govinda, Govinda’. Lord Malayappa Swamy, the processional deity of Lord Venkateswara, was brought out on the golden Garuda Vahana after being adorned with rich jewellery, including the Makara Kanti, Lakshmi Kasula Haram and a diamond-studded golden crown.

The decorated deity was illuminated by powerful arc lights as the procession moved through the Mada streets. Devotees in the packed galleries offered prayers and camphor harati as the vahana passed before them. For pilgrims who could not get access to the galleries, the TTD arranged giant LED screens at the outer ring road and holding points, enabling them to watch the procession from designated areas.

Given the heavy turnout, police personnel were deployed at important junctions along with ambulances and paramedical teams to respond to emergencies. TTD Chairman BR Naidu, Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra, Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowadary, CV&SO KV Murali Krishna and District SP L Subbarayudu monitored the arrangements at various locations and interacted with devotees.

The SP directed police personnel to maintain close watch over congested stretches and ensure the safety of pilgrims. Officials also appealed to devotees to remain patient, avoid pushing and overcrowding, and stay together with their families. Parents were advised to use ID bands and geo-tag their children to prevent them from getting separated in the crowds. Devotees with health-related concerns were also advised to avoid staying for long periods in densely crowded areas.

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Pradeep Vennelakanti

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