TIRUMALA, OCTOBER 12, 2024: A total of 15 lakh devotees had darshan of various Vahana Sevas including 3.5 lakh on the day of Garuda seva alone when compared to only 5.5 lakh pilgrims had darshan in the year 2023.
Disclosing this to newsmen in Tirumala on Saturdaym TTD Executive Officer J Syamala Rao said that adhering to the words of CM of AP N Chandra Babu Naidu who directed all the TTD officials that “Service to Devotees is Service to Divinity”, we have enhanced the pilgrim services in every area during this year annual brahmotsavams when compared the previous years and won laurels from the pilgrims”,
Speaking to media persons along with the Additional EO Sri Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala on Saturday evening, the TTD EO said, on behalf of the state government the CM of AP has presented silk clothes to Srivari temple on October 4, on the first day of Srivari Brahmotsavam and appreciated the arrangements made by TTD for the convenience of Srivari devotees.
He inaugurated the newly constructed Vakulamata Kitchen at the back of Panchajanyam Rest House at a cost of Rs.13.45 crores. During that time he suggested all the officials of TTD to ensure that the devotees get satisfactory darshan and vahana sevas. “Devotees are our prime guests and service to devotees is service to divinity(Bhaktula Seve Bhagavantuni Seva). Behave in a polite manner with the devotees and give them a memorable experience of Tirumala visit”. Keeping up with his words, we have provided comfortable darshan and vahana sevas to devotees during this year’s annual fete when compared to previous years. Annaprasadams, laddu prasadams, accommodation, transportation, tonsures and other services were provided to the devotees without any inconvenience during this year’s annual festival”, EO added.
HIGHLIGHTS OF BRAHMOTSAVAMS
Darshan:
15 lakh devotees had satisfactory darshan of Vahana Sevas which includes 3.5lakh on the day of Garuda Seva alone. 5.5lakh pilgrims had Srivari Darshan in 2023, when the figures crossed 6lakhs this year(for eight days).
Annaprasadams:
Over 26lakh devotees were served Annaprasadams this year when compared to 16lakh devotees during last year. In 2023 Pongal was served to 86thousand devotees while this year to 2.47lakh. Similarly, Upma was served to 6.66lakh this year as against 3.44lakh last year, 9.35lakh beverages this year as against 6lakh last year, snacks to the 50thousands last year while it was 1.94lakh this year.
Others:
The Hundi collection stood at 26cr this year as against 24cr during last year, the number of tonsures stood at 2lakh last year while the figure recorded 2.60lakh this year.
On the day of Garuda Seva, 2800 trips of APSRTC were commuted to transport devotees as against the 2400 trips during last year.
Dharmic Projects:
Out of 261 artistic troupes from 18 states, 6,884 artists performed various art forms to entertain the devotees.
Garden department
Beautiful flower decorations and flower display at the Srivari Temple along with several courtyards and guest houses. 40 tons of flowers, 3.5 lakh cut flowers and 80 thousand seasonal flowers were used in Brahmotsavams. The fruit / flower display with the themes from Krita, Treta, Dwapara and Kali Yugas have attracted the devotees.
Besides the Electrical illumination also impressed the devotees with interesting 3D figurines and other mythological electrical decorations.
SVBC
The Vahasevas along with other spiritual programs were telecast live with HD cameras on the 23 giant digital screens placed along four mada streets apart from 09 others outside Tirumala temple where a congregation of pilgrims was more, facilitating them to witness the carriers.
Srivari Sevaks
Around 4 thousand Srivari Sevaks from around 07 states provided services to lakhs of devotees this year as against 3300 last year.
Feedback:The feedback provided by senior officers, TTD Call Center, Command Control Center, Information Centers, Media, Devotees from time to time helped in providing better facilities to the pilgrims.
Medical Department –
45 doctors, 60 paramedical staff and 13 ambulances were used to provide better medical assistance to the devotees. This year 68thousand pilgrims utilized the medical services as against 31thousand last year.
Vigilance and Security Department
Special parking areas for vehicles in various parts of Tirumala and Tirupati were set up to avoid traffic problems on Garuda Seva Day.
Officers on Deputation:
Tirumala has been divided into 8 sectors and senior officers were deployed to supervise the amenities being provided to devotees by TTD. Besides 47 officers and 350 ministerial staff were also deputed on the day of Garuda Seva to ensure hassle free services to devotees in every area.
Health Department(Sanitation)
In addition to 1365 personnel in Tirumala, 600 additional personnel were deployed for sanitation and cleanliness on the day of Garuda Seva.
TTD EO thanked the entire workforce, police, district administration, srivari sevaks, NCC, media and above all the pilgrim public for their co-operation and support in making the annual brahmotsavams a massive success.
JEOs Goutami and Veerabrahmam, CVSO Sridhar, heads of various departments and others were also present.
