Covid-19 shadow over Tirumala Brahmotsavams

Tirupati: The Srivari Brahmotsavams in Tirumala, also known as ‘Utsavam of the Vahanams’, is likely to be a low-key affair this time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While as many as 450 different festivals are celebrated at the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara every year, the annual Brahmotsavams occupies a special place in the hearts of millions of the Lord’s devotees.
This year’s Brahmotsavams, to be celebrated from September 19 to 27, will in all probability be a silent and solemn affair.As the nine-day festival witnesses a huge turnout of devotees every day, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams normally starts planning and preparing for the Brahmotsavams at least three months in advance.
The TTD trust board meeting, slated to be held in the last week of August, will take a decision on whether to conduct the annual Brahmotsavams with or without fanfare. The temple body has been observing all annual festivals at the ancient temple in ‘ekantham’ without the participation of devotees.