Detailed arrangement in place in Tirumala
Tirupati: �Under the chairmanship of BR Naidu, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board held extensive discussion on the arrangement of the upcoming Rath Saptami Festival to be held in Tirumala on 4 February. It was considered to hold a board meeting on the last Tuesday of every month. The preparation was made by Chairman and Executive Officer J Simala Rao in a media briefing at Annamayan Bhavan on Friday.
Rath Sapmi, celebrated annually on Surya Jayanti during Shukla Paksha Saptami Tithi, is a grand festival in Tirumala. The mini is considered as Brahmotsavam, on this day, Shri Malayappa Swami blessed the devotees in a procession from dawn to evening from evening to evening. Fear of a major influx of estimated devotees between 2.5 to 3 lakhs, TTD has made extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth operation of the festival.
Due to the expected congestion, several regular services, including Ashtadala Padmaradhana, Kalyanotsavam, Unjal Seva, Armyth Brahmotsavam and Sahasra Deepalankara Seva, will be suspended for the day.
Darshan facilities for NRIs, infants, senior citizens and parents with disabilities will also cancel. Slotted Sarwa Darshan tokens will not be issued in Tirupati from 3 to 5 February. In addition, VIP Break Darshan will be canceled on 4 February, except the dignitaries of the protocol and no recommendation letter for VIP Break Darshan will be accepted on 3 February.
Devotees having special entry philosophy (sed) tickets are requested to report in the vacant queue campus at the time specified on their tickets to reduce the waiting period. Security is being strengthened with additional support from 1,000 TTD vigilance personnel, 1,250 policemen and octopus, APSP and fire brigade. Special entry, exit and emergency gate will be arranged to manage the mob movement efficiently.
To ensure the safety of devotees participating in the holy cycle Snum in Pushkarini, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and expert swimmers will be deployed. Senior officials will monitor the arrangements on the four Meda roads, ensuring appropriate facilities for the devotees.
Annaprasadam will be continuously distributed, including buttermilk, sambar rice, curd rice, pulihora and pongli for those waiting in galleries. The temporary shed with Mada roads will be established to shield devotees from adverse weather conditions.
A total of eight lakh laddus, including four lakh buffer stocks, will be ready to meet the demand for the festival. Electrical and floral decorations will increase the atmosphere, while LED screens will be installed for devotees so that the procession can be seen. The latest updates will be conveyed through a public address system and SVBC will provide a live HD telecast of ceremonies for devotees worldwide.
Medical teams, ambulances and essential medicines will be easily available to address any emergency. Additionally, 2,500 Srivari Seva will be deployed for assistance in Annaprasadam and water distribution to devotees in waiting areas.
Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chaudhary, Joint Executive Officer V Virbrahm, CVSO VN Manikanta Chandolu, Board members G. Bhanu Prakash Reddy, Panabka Lakshmi, Jyothula Nehru, Anand Sai, Santharam were also present along with others.
