Arrangements for annual Tirumala ‘Teppotsavam’ reviewed

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Monday conducted an extensive review meeting of the upcoming ‘Teppotsavam’ (float festival), at Sudharma Conference Hall in Sri Padmavathi Guest House in Tirumala.

TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary directed officials to ensure seamless arrangements for the five-day float festival scheduled from February 26 to March 2, underlining that devotees should face no inconvenience during the celebrations.

A trial run of the festival will be held on February 23 to assess capacity and logistics, while measures are under way to maintain adequate water levels in the sacred Pushkarini.

The temple tank and float will be illuminated with attractive electrical lighting, and special pandals will be erected at Varaha Swamy temple and along the four ‘mada’ streets. A comprehensive public address system will guide the devotees and explain the significance of the festival.

Devotees will not be permitted to take a dip in the Pushkarini from February 20 to March 5. Enhanced security, including lifeguards at entry and exit points, will be deployed. Owing to the festivities, select sevas stand cancelled during the five-day period.

Reviewing the arrangements for ‘Kumaradhara Theertha Mukkoti’ on March 3, Mr. Chowdary also announced restricted trekking hours from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. to the sacred ‘Theertham’ (water body) situated nearly 8 km in the woods.

The temple will also remain closed from 9 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. for the Lunar eclipse on March 3, with sevas suspended and ‘Annaprasadam’ halted after 9 a.m.. Devotees have been urged to plan their visit accordingly.