Fair, Festivals & Events in Tirupati

Every day is a day of festivity at Tirumala. Tirupati Temple celebrates many festivals like Kalyanotsavam, Arjita Brahmotsavam, Dolotsavam, Vasanthotsavam but the annual festival of `Brahmotsavam` is particularly important. The most famous festival, `Brahmotsavam`, which is celebrated on grand scale for nine days in September, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the country. The fifth and ninth days of the festival are especially significant in as much as Garudostavam and Rathotavam takes place on those days. 

Brahmotsavam: The Brahmotsavam is the most important temple festival celebrated at Tirupati-Balaji. The festival is celebrated annually in September. The festival is grand every third year and is called Navratri Brahmotsavam. On the third day of the Brahmotsavam, the temple car festival called Rathotsavam is held. 

Vijayanagar Festival: The Vijayanagar Festival is held for three days at the historic Chandragiri Fort near Tirupati-Balaji in the third week of October every year. The fort is a living testimony to the heroism of the rulers of Vijayanagar, and the festival coincides with the annual Brahmotsavam at the Tirupati-Balaji Temple. Musicians and dancers from all over the state come here to perform during the festival. The Rayalseema Food Festival is also held at the same time. During this festival, most of the local delicacies of the state are presented. 

Kalyanotsavam: Tirupati also celebrates a festival called the Kalyanotsavam (marriage of the Lord). It is celebrated every day at the Kalyanmandapam except during the Brahmotsavam and on certain other festive occasions. Kalyanam" means Wedding in Sanskrit. Read More... 

Gangamma Jathara: Gangamma Jathara is also celebrated as a major festival. The Goddess Gangamma is offered animal sacrifices and also pongal and other offerings by the devotees. She is considered as the sister of The Lord Almighty, Govinda. 

Rathasapthami: Rathasapthami (Magha Shuddha Saptami) is another festival, celebrated during February, when Lord Venkateswara idol will be taken procession around the temple chariots. 

Arjita Brahmotsavam: For those that not present during the biggest event of the year, the Brahmotsavams, a mini version is celebrated every day at Rs.500 per 5 persons starting at about 1 PM. The devotees performing this have a choice of selecting which particular vehicle they want to see their God on, such as the Lion, the Elephant, The Eagle or Others. However, the Float festival that is celebrated during the Brahmotsavams is not included in this ceremony. It starts at around 1:30 PM in the afternoon. 

Dolotsavam: This festival is for those who wish to see Lord Venkateswara and his Consorts in all their regalia, on a tastefully decorated float amidst the waves of the sacred temple tank. This Utsavam is performed at Rs.750 per family of 6 persons. 

Vasanthotsavam: Vasanthotsavam is the festival of colors. This is of 3-day duration starting in Mid-April or 1st fortnight of May. The Lord and HIS consorts "play" and the devotees also spray colors on them. It costs Rs.3000 per family of 10 persons, per day. On the scheduled day, the function starts at 2 PM in the afternoon 

English New Year Day: Lakhs of devotees throng the hill shrine to have darshan of the Lord on the New Year Day. The crowds begin to throng a couple of days before and continue for another two days after January 1 

Rayalseema Food and Dance Festival: Held in - September - October Held to coincide with the Brahmostsavam of Lord Sri Venkateshwara of Tirupati. Artisans, craftsmen, and weavers from all parts of the country take part while the food courts offer mouth-watering cuisine of Rayalseema. 

The Vijayanagar Festival at Chandragiri: Held in - October The historic Chandragiri fort near Tirupati (where a Sound & Light Show is held daily) stands testimony to the grandeur of the Vijayanagar rulers. This festival coincides with the annual Brahmotsavam at the Tirumala temple. The visitors who witness the most reputed musicians and dancers perform embark on a journey into the past. Through the Rayalseema Food Festival which is also held at the same time, the most traditional delicacies of the region are brought forth exclusively for the gourmet`s delight.