TTD gears up for Navaratri Brahmotsavams amid expected pilgrim surge

Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is gearing up for Navaratri Brahmotsavams of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, with officials focusing on crowd management, darshan arrangements and essential services in view of the expected rise in pilgrim footfall during Dussehra holidays.

TTD Executive Officer M Ravichandra reviewed the arrangements with senior officials at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala on Monday and directed all departments to work in close coordination to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for devotees. Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary and other senior officials took part in the meeting.

The officials discussed arrangements covering a wide range of services, including Annaprasadam, sanitation, medical facilities, Srivari Sevaks, floral decorations, electrical illumination, cultural programmes, SVBC telecast and security. The TTD Vigilance wing and the police were also asked to coordinate closely to regulate the movement of devotees and maintain security during the festival. District Collector Dr S Venkateswar, Superintendent of Police L Subba Rayudu, TTD Joint Executive Officers Dr A Sharath and Prabala Gopinath, Chief Vigilance and Security Officer KV Murali Krishna and officials from various departments attended the review meeting.

Representatives of the police and APSRTC were also present. During the meeting, the Additional EO presented a review of the arrangements made for the recently held nine-day Salakatla Brahmotsavams. From Ankurarpanam on September 14 to September 23, an average of more than 73,500 devotees were provided darshan every day, he said.

According to the presentation, the planning and coordination adopted during the festival contributed significantly to managing the large pilgrim turnout. The decision to dispense with VIP break and privilege darshans helped reduce congestion and enabled devotees to have a more comfortable darshan. Pilgrims were also able to witness the various Vahana Sevas without major inconvenience. The TTD is now planning to adopt a similar system for the Navaratri Brahmotsavams. Officials expect the pilgrim turnout to be around 20 per cent higher this time as the festival coincides with the Dussehra holiday period.

Ravichandra appreciated the coordinated efforts of TTD departments, the police and other district administration agencies in successfully conducting the previous Brahmotsavams. He urged officials and staff to maintain the same level of coordination and preparedness during the Navaratri celebrations.

The review also focused on ensuring adequate arrangements for food distribution, cleanliness, transport, healthcare, lighting and other facilities so that the anticipated increase in devotees does not affect the quality of services at Tirumala.

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The Hans India