Festivals at Tirumala

Sri Venkateswara Temple celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year with grandeur and devotion. These festivals attract millions of devotees and showcase the rich spiritual heritage of Tirumala.

Brahmotsavam

September/October

9 daysMost important annual festival

The annual 9-day grand festival of Sri Venkateswara Temple, Brahmotsavam is the most important and spectacular festival. It features elaborate processions with the deity on different vahanas (divine vehicles) including Garuda, Hanumantha, and Swarna Ratham (Golden Chariot). Millions of devotees visit during this period.

Dhwajarohanam (flag hoisting) on Day 1Garuda Seva on Day 5 (most popular)Rathotsavam (Golden Chariot procession) on Day 8+1 more

Vaikunta Ekadasi

December/January

10 daysGates of Vaikunta open — passage grants moksha

One of the holiest days in the Hindu calendar, believed to be the day when the gates of Vaikunta (Lord Vishnu's abode) open. The Uttara Dwaram (northern gate) of the temple is opened only during this 10-day festival. Passing through this gate is believed to grant liberation (moksha). Lakhs of devotees visit during this period.

Opening of the Uttara Dwaram (Northern Gate)Millions of devotees pass through the sacred gateSpecial pujas and elaborate decorations+1 more

Ratha Sapthami

January/February

1 dayBirthday of Sun God, season change

Celebrated as the birthday of the Sun God (Surya), Ratha Sapthami marks the change of season. A grand procession of Lord Venkateswara on Surya Prabha Vahanam (Sun Chariot) takes place. Special rituals including Surya Namaskar and Surya Puja are performed.

Grand procession on Surya Prabha VahanamSpecial Surya Puja at dawnThousands of devotees gather for the procession+1 more

Ugadi (Telugu New Year)

March/April

3 daysTelugu and Kannada New Year

The Telugu and Kannada New Year is celebrated with great pomp at the temple. Special pujas, cultural programs, and Panchanga Sravanam (reading of the new year almanac) are held. The temple is decorated with mango leaves and flowers.

Panchanga SravanamSpecial KalyanotsavamCultural programs+1 more

Teppotsavam (Float Festival)

March/April

3 daysFloat festival on the sacred Swami Pushkarini tank

The enchanting float festival where the processional deities are placed on a beautifully decorated float and taken around the Swami Pushkarini tank. The tank is illuminated with thousands of lamps, and the reflection of the deities on the water creates a magical spectacle.

Illuminated Pushkarini tank with thousands of lampsBeautifully decorated float carrying the deitiesMagical reflection of lights on water+1 more