Major Tirumala Festivals

    An overview of recurring festivals and pilgrim considerations. Exact dates and darshan arrangements vary each year.

    Reviewed 24 October 2026. For confirmed 2026 dates, see the sourced event list. Check TTD News for current schedules and ticket changes.

    Annual Brahmotsavam

    బ్రహ్మోత్సవం

    September / October

    9 days

    The most important and grandest festival of Tirumala. Lord Venkateswara is taken in procession on various vahanams (divine vehicles) through the four Mada streets.

    Religious Significance

    Tradition attributes this festival to Brahma. Garuda Seva on the fifth day is a major highlight. Check TTD's year-specific announcement for dates and arrangements.

    Festival Highlights

    • ✦ 9-day grand procession
    • ✦ Different vahanams each day
    • ✦ Garuda Seva (5th day) — most popular
    • ✦ Chakrasnanam on the final day
    • ✦ Large crowds attend; arrangements vary by year
    • ✦ Special pujas and sevas throughout

    Tips for Festival Season Visit

    • → Book accommodation months in advance
    • → Expect heavy crowds and check the current TTD queue report
    • → Special darshan categories may be suspended
    • → Check TTD's procession route and timings

    Vaikunta Ekadasi

    వైకుంఠ ఏకాదశి

    December / January

    Observance and Dwara-darshan window vary by year

    An important Vaishnava festival associated with Vaikunta Dwara Darshan. Devotees regard passage through the Dwaram as spiritually significant.

    Religious Significance

    Also called Mukkoti Ekadasi. TTD may keep Vaikunta Dwara Darshan open for multiple days; the announced window and token rules change by year.

    Festival Highlights

    • ✦ Vaikunta Dwara Darshan under TTD's announced schedule
    • ✦ Special observances and high demand
    • ✦ Check TTD's year-specific token rules

    Tips for Festival Season Visit

    • → Allow extra flexibility in your travel plan
    • → Token system may be in place
    • → Extremely crowded — patience required
    • → TTD arranges special facilities

    Rathasapthami

    రథసప్తమి

    January / February

    1 day (with preceding events)

    A festival honoring Surya. At Tirumala, Lord Venkateswara is taken in processions on several vahanams, including Surya Prabha.

    Religious Significance

    A major Tirumala festival with a full day of vahana sevas. Check TTD's annual programme for the precise procession times and darshan changes.

    Festival Highlights

    • ✦ Surya Prabha Vahanam at sunrise
    • ✦ Multiple vahana processions in one day
    • ✦ Grand procession through Mada streets
    • ✦ Special Homam and Pujas

    Tips for Festival Season Visit

    • → Arrive night before for sunrise procession
    • → Expect heavy crowds
    • → Special entry darshan may be suspended

    Ugadi (Telugu New Year)

    ఉగాది

    March / April

    1 day

    Telugu New Year celebrations with special pujas and the Panchangam Sravanam (reading of the new year's almanac) at the temple.

    Religious Significance

    Marks the beginning of a new year in the Hindu calendar. Special decorations and pujas are performed.

    Festival Highlights

    • ✦ Special decorations at the temple
    • ✦ Panchangam Sravanam (almanac reading)
    • ✦ Ugadi Pachadi distribution
    • ✦ New year pujas and festivities

    Tips for Festival Season Visit

    • → Check current TTD crowd and darshan notices

    Teppotsavam (Float Festival)

    తెప్పోత్సవం

    Various months

    5 days

    The processional deities are placed on a decorated float and taken around the Swami Pushkarini tank. A beautiful evening spectacle.

    Religious Significance

    An enchanting festival where the deities are floated on the sacred tank with lights and music. Represents the divine play of the Lord on water.

    Festival Highlights

    • ✦ Deities on decorated floats
    • ✦ On Swami Pushkarini tank
    • ✦ Evening festival with lights
    • ✦ Musical and devotional atmosphere

    Tips for Festival Season Visit

    • → Check TTD's announced dates and viewing arrangements