Tirupati Festivals and Events Calendar

Tirupati, one of the most significant spiritual destinations in India, offers a vibrant blend of religious fervor, cultural traditions, and spiritual experiences throughout the year. The city, known for the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, celebrates various festivals and events that attract pilgrims and tourists alike. Below is a detailed calendar of key festivals, events, and temple rituals happening in Tirupati, especially during peak travel seasons.

Tirupati Festivals and Events Calendar

January

Pongal (Makar Sankranti): A festival celebrating the harvest season, Pongal is celebrated with fervor in Tirupati. Devotees visit the Sri Venkateswara Temple to offer prayers, and homes are decorated with rangolis. Traditional sweets like Pongal (sweet rice) are made, and special prayers are held at local temples.

Vaikunta Ekadasi: (Tamil month of Margazhi) One of the most important festivals in Tirupati, this marks the day when the gates of Vaikunta (the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu) are opened. The Vaikunta Dwaram (the gate) is opened, and devotees believe that crossing it will bring salvation. It’s a peak time for pilgrims to visit the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.

March - April

Ugadi (Telugu New Year): Ugadi marks the Telugu New Year and is a time for new beginnings. Devotees visit temples like Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi temples in Tirupati. Traditional food like Ugadi Pachadi is prepared, symbolizing the mix of life’s sweet and sour moments. Special prayers and celebrations are held at temples.

Shivaratri: The festival of Shivaratri is celebrated with special prayers, processions, and rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Though not as prominent as other festivals in Tirupati, local temples like Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Temple and Sri Padmavathi Temple host devotional services.

April - May

Chitra Pournami: Chitra Pournami is a significant occasion for devotees to take a holy dip in the Swarnamukhi River and perform rituals. It is a day of prayer and seeking blessings for prosperity. The temples in Tirupati witness evening prayers, bhajans, and aarti.

Sri Venkateswara Rathasapthami: A grand procession is held in Tirumala, where the deity of Lord Venkateswara is carried around on a chariot (ratha) in the Tirumala temple complex. Special vahana seva (procession with divine vehicles) takes place throughout the day.

June - July

Rath Yatra (Car Festival): The Rath Yatra in Tirupati is a grand event where idols of Lord Venkateswara are paraded on massive chariots in the streets of Tirumala. It’s a spiritual occasion marked by colorful processions, music, dance, and chants.

Sravana Masa (Month of Shravan): During the Shravana month, special prayers and rituals are performed at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Devotees fast, chant prayers, and attend evening aartis. The temple is quieter compared to festival times, making it a serene period for spiritual reflection.

September - October

Brahmotsavam: The Brahmotsavam is the most significant festival in Tirupati, lasting for about 9 days. During this time, the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple holds grand processions, with the deity carried around in different chariots. Special rituals, prayers, and Vahana Sevas (divine vehicle rides) are conducted. It is one of the biggest spiritual events in South India, attracting millions of pilgrims.

Dasara (Dussehra): Dussehra in Tirupati is celebrated with devotion and grandeur, marked by special prayers at Sri Venkateswara and other temples in the city. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and is observed with processions, Ramayana recitals, and a display of devotional arts.

November - December

Karthika Deepam: Karthika Deepam is a festival celebrated with the lighting of lamps at homes and temples. The Sri Padmavathi Temple and other local temples in Tirupati hold special prayers, and devotees offer oil lamps as a symbol of enlightenment.

Deepavali (Diwali): Deepavali is celebrated with enthusiasm in Tirupati. Devotees light oil lamps in homes and temples to welcome the victory of good over evil. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple hosts special prayers, and the city is adorned with decorations and festive lights.

November - December

Vaikunta Dwaram Darshan: This festival marks the opening of the Vaikunta Dwaram, a significant ritual at the Tirumala Temple where devotees believe that passing through the entrance will give them a glimpse of Lord Vishnu’s abode. It is one of the most crowded times of the year, with devotees gathering from all parts of India for darshan.