Tamil Nadu devotees throng in huge numbers following the auspicious Puratasi
Elaborate arrangements by TTD to serve devotees
TIRUMALA, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025: Sitting majestically in all His royal resplendence atop the mighty golden Garuda Vahanam, Sri Malayappa Swamy swiftly swayed along the four mada streets blessing the devotees on Sunday evening.
Garuda Seva, one of the most revered festivals held in Tirumala, where the processional deity of Sri Venkateswara – Malayappa Swamy is paraded atop Garuda Vahanam through the four mada streets of the temple, blessing lakhs of devotees every year during annual brahmotsavams.
The deity was adorned with special flower garlands (such as Andal mala and Sikhamani Mala) that were brought ceremoniously from Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, following centuries-old tradition. The famous Lakshmi Kasula Haram was also decked to Malayappa Swamy on the occasion.
DEVOUT’S EMOTIONS PEAKS: As Malayappa marched ahead with grandiose on Garuda, the devotees experienced overwhelming spiritual joy and divine bliss chanting “Govinda.. Govinda..” with religious ecstacy. The entire Tirumala hills reverberated to the divine chants of lakhs of devotees who converged in the galleries of the four mada streets surrounding Tirumala temple to get a glimpse of Garuda Vahana Seva.
The devotees’ figures increased manyfold this year compared to usual, with the auspicious Tamil Puratasi Saturday followed by Sunday. Garuda Seva stood as an example for profound faith and collective devotion, creating an atmosphere of intense spiritual fervour and elation among the devotees.
Extensive Arrangements: Meanwhile, anticipating the pilgrim rush, TTD has made elaborate security arrangements, provided 24/7 Annaprasadam, refreshments and drinking water facilities in all the 120-plus galleries with a holding capacity of almost 2lakh around the four mada streets.
Measures implemented for Garuda Seva include banning of two-wheeler from 9 pm of September 27 till 6 am September 29 to avoid traffic congestion along the ghat roads, digital tracking bands for children and vulnerable persons to ensure safety, setting up of 23 giant LED screens along the four mada streets and 13 outside galleries for the pilgrims who were waiting outside the galleries to witness Garuda Seva, second filling in the East Mada street, provide darshan to the pilgrims waiting outside galleries through the four holding points of four mada streets, medical facilities through mobile battery operated cars, 2000 srivari seva volunteers to provide Annaprasadam and other refreshments to the devotees from time to time and many more.
SECTORAL OFFICERS: TTD has also specially deputed Sectoral officers to oversee the crowd management and amenities in the galleries. Around 4700 police, 1500 TTD vigilance, 2000 Sevaks, 500 deputation officers have been exclusively deployed on the day of Garuda Seva to take forward the vahana seva in a smooth manner.
Both the senior and junior pontiffs of Tirumala, TTD Chairman Sri BR Naidu, EO Sri Anil Kumar Singhal and other senior officers from state, district, protocol dignitaries, board members were also present.
