Tirumala Brahmotsavam 2026 is the most important and grandest festival celebrated at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. It lasts for nine days, usually in September or October. During this time, the temple comes alive with processions, rituals, and the devotion of thousands of pilgrims.
The festival honors Lord Venkateswara (Balaji). It’s believed that Lord Brahma himself started and conducts this festival (“Brahmotsavam” means “Brahma’s Utsavam”). The highlight is the daily procession of the deity on different vahanas (vehicles) around the temple streets, each with its own spiritual meaning.
Tirumala Brahmotsavam 2026: Complete Schedule
Here is the complete schedule for both the Salakatla (Annual) Brahmotsavam and Navarathri Brahmotsavam in 2026, presented in a clear, colorful table format.
🟡 1st Brahmotsavam – Salakatla (Annual) Brahmotsavam
Complete Schedule: September 14–23, 2026
| Date & Day | Time | Event / Vahanam | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Sep 2026 Monday | Night: 7 pm – 8 pm | Ankurarpana & Vishvaksena Aradhana | Ritual sowing of seeds & invocation of the divine commander. |
| 15 Sep 2026 Tuesday – Day 1 | Afternoon: 3:30–5:30 pm ~5:45 pm Night: 9–11 pm | Bangaru Tiruchi Utsavam Dwajarohana (Flag Hoisting) Pedda Sesha Vahanam | Golden umbrella ceremony. Official start of the festival. Lord on the Great Serpent (Adishesha). |
| 16 Sep 2026 Wednesday – Day 2 | Morning: 8–10 am Afternoon: 1–3 pm Night: 7–9 pm | Chinna Sesha Vahanam Snapana Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) Hamsa Vahanam | Lord on the Small Serpent. Holy bath of the processional deity. Lord on the Swan, symbolizing purity. |
| 17 Sep 2026 Thursday – Day 3 | Morning: 8–10 am Afternoon: 1–3 pm Night: 7–9 pm | Simha Vahanam Snapana Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) Muthyala Pallaki Vahanam | Lord on the Lion, symbolizing power. Holy bath. Lord on the Pearl Palanquin. |
| 18 Sep 2026 Friday – Day 4 | Morning: 8–10 am Afternoon: 1–3 pm Evening: 7–9 pm | Kalpa Vruksha Vahanam Snapana Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam | Lord on the Wish-Fulfilling Tree. Holy bath. Lord as Emperor of all Kings. |
| 19 Sep 2026 Saturday – Day 5 | Morning: 8–10 am Night: ~6:30–11:30 pm | Mohini Avatharam 🌟 Garuda Vahanam | Enactment of Lord’s enchanting female form. Most famous & grand night procession. |
| 20 Sep 2026 Sunday – Day 6 | Morning: 8–10 am Evening: 4–5 pm Night: 7–9 pm | Hanumantha Vahanam Swarna Rathotsavam Gaja Vahanam | Lord on Hanuman. Golden Chariot procession. Lord on the Elephant. |
| 21 Sep 2026 Monday – Day 7 | Morning: 8–10 am Night: 7–9 pm | Surya Prabha Vahanam Chandra Prabha Vahanam | Lord on the Sun Chariot. Lord on the Moon Chariot. |
| 22 Sep 2026 Tuesday – Day 8 | Morning: ~6 am Evening: 7–9 pm | 🌟 Rathotsavam (Car Festival) Ashwa Vahanam | Grand Chariot pulled by devotees. Lord on the Horse. |
| 23 Sep 2026 Wednesday – Day 9 | Early Morning: 3–6 am Morning: 6–9 am Evening: ~7 pm | Pallaki Utsavam & Tiruchi Utsavam Chakra Snanam Dwajaavarohanam | Palanquin & umbrella processions. Holy bath at the temple tank. Flag Lowering – Brahmotsavam Officially Ends. |
| 24 Sep 2026 Thursday | Bhaag Savari Utsavam | Procession at Ananthalwar Gardens. |
🔵 2nd Brahmotsavam – Navarathri Brahmotsavam
Complete Schedule: October 11–20, 2026
| Date & Day | Time | Event / Vahanam | Key Differences / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Oct 2026 Sunday | Night: 7–9 pm | Ankurarpana & Vishvaksena Aradhana | Inaugural rituals for the 2nd festival. |
| 12 Oct 2026 Monday – Day 1 | Morning: 9 am Night: 7–9 pm | Golden Tirucchi Utsavam Pedda Sesha Vahanam | No Dwajarohana (Flag Hoisting). Festival begins directly with this Vahanam. |
| 13 Oct 2026 Tuesday – Day 2 | Morning: 8–10 am Night: 7–9 pm | Chinna Sesha Vahanam Hamsa Vahanam | Schedule similar to the 1st Brahmotsavam. |
| 14 Oct 2026 Wednesday – Day 3 | Morning: 8–10 am Night: 7–9 pm | Simha Vahanam Muthyala Pallaki Vahanam | Also known as Muthu Pallaku. |
| 15 Oct 2026 Thursday – Day 4 | Morning: 8–10 am Evening: 7–9 pm | Kalpa Vruksha Vahanam Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam | Sarva Bhoopala occurs in the evening. |
| 16 Oct 2026 Friday – Day 5 | Morning: 8–10 am Night: 6:30–11:30 pm | Mohini Avatharam 🌟 Garuda Vahanam | Major highlight – grand night procession. |
| 17 Oct 2026 Saturday – Day 6 | Morning: 8–10 am Evening: 4–5 pm Night: 7–9 pm | Hanumantha Vahanam Pushpaka Vimanam Gaja Vahanam | Pushpaka Vimanam (Flower Chariot) instead of Swarna Ratham. |
| 18 Oct 2026 Sunday – Day 7 | Morning: 8–10 am Night: 7–9 pm | Surya Prabha Vahanam Chandra Prabha Vahanam | Sun and Moon Chariot processions. |
| 19 Oct 2026 Monday – Day 8 | Morning: ~6 am Evening: 7–9 pm | 🌟 Swarna Rathotsavam Ashwa Vahanam | Golden Chariot procession on Day 8. |
| 20 Oct 2026 Tuesday – Day 9 | Morning: 6–9 am Night: 7 pm | Chakra Snanam Golden Tirucchi Utsavam | No Dwajaavarohanam. Festival ends with the Golden Tirucchi ceremony, as there was no initial flag hoisting. |
How to Watch Live of Tirumala Brahmotsavam
TTD SVBC Channel will be live telecasting the Brahmotsavam Festival. Live Streaming of the channel can be seen in the website
https://www.youtube.com/@svbcttd/streams
Schedule Vahanam Order
While dates change yearly based on the Hindu calendar, the nine-day schedule generally follows this pattern:
- Day 1 & 2: Dwajarohanam (flag hosting), Pedda Sesha Vahanam, Chinna Sesha Vahanam.
- Day 3: Garuda Seva is one of the most famous events. The deity is taken on Garuda Vahanam, and the sight is considered highly auspicious.
- Day 4-6: Processions on Hanuman, Kalpavriksha, Sarvabhupala, Mohini, and other vahanas.
- Day 7: Rathotsavam (Car Festival). The deity is pulled in a giant, decorated temple chariot by devotees.
- Day 8: Gajavahanam (Elephant vehicle) and Chakrasnanam.
- Day 9: Dwajavarohanam (flag lowering), marking the end.
Experiencing Brahmotsavam: A Human Touch
Attending Brahmotsavam is about feeling the collective energy. It’s crowded, yes, but there’s a shared purpose. The air vibrates with chants of “Govinda! Govinda!”. Elderly pilgrims forget their fatigue, children sit on shoulders to catch a glimpse, and everyone’s eyes search for that one divine moment when the procession passes by.
It’s not just about seeing the deity; it’s about being part of a timeless tradition. The meticulous rituals, the vibrant flowers, the rhythmic temple music – every detail tells a story of faith preserved for centuries.
Travel Tip: If you plan to attend, book your travel and accommodation in Tirupati months in advance. Be prepared for large crowds and follow all TTD guidelines for darshan and safety.
FAQs About Tirumala Brahmotsavam
1. When is Tirumala Brahmotsavam 2026?
The exact 2026 dates will be announced by TTD closer to the time you can check in above table. It typically falls in the months of September or October. Keep an eye on the official TTD news portal for the official schedule.
2. What is the most important day of Brahmotsavam?
While all days are significant, Garuda Seva (on the 3rd day) and Rathotsavam (Car Festival on the 7th day) are the most spectacular and draw the largest crowds.
3. Can anyone attend the Brahmotsavam processions?
Yes. The processions (Vahanams) are public events held on the streets around the temple. Special paid seating (Galleries) can be booked via TTD, but you can also view them from designated free areas. Note that for temple darshan inside, you still need a ticket or pass.
4. Is Brahmotsavam and Salakatla Brahmotsavam the same?
Yes. The main festival in Tirumala is called Salakatla Brahmotsavam or simply Brahmotsavam. “Salakatla” refers to the processions.
5. Where can I find the official schedule?
The only official source is the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) website (news.tirumala.org). Rely on this for accurate dates and timings.
6. How is it different from daily rituals?
Daily rituals are smaller and inside the temple. Brahmotsavam is a massive, public, nine-day festival with grand outdoor processions, cultural events, and special ceremonies that amplify the scale of devotion.
7. What should I keep in mind as a visitor?
- Plan early. Everything gets booked fast.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
- Follow all instructions from TTD officials and police for crowd management.
- Be patient and respectful of the rituals and other devotees.
