Monday, October 3 2005 14:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Tirupathi: The nine-day annual 'Brahmotsavam' festivals, known as Navaratri Brahmotsavam festivals, would begin at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala near here from tomorrow (Oct 4, 2005).

Marking commencement of the festivals, the temple priests, amidst chanting vedic hymns, would hoist the sacred garuda flag atop the golden 'dwajastambham' (flag mast) in the shrine.

On the eve of the festival, the priests have performed 'Ankurapranam' (9 varieties of seeds sprouting) ceremony at the yagasala (house of sacred fires) in the shrine today (Oct 3, 2005).

The centuries old idol of the Lord would be taken out in procession on different vahanas (celestial carriers) everyday in the morning and night during the festival days.

The 'Garudaseve,' the celestial procession, was expected to congregate at the shrine on night of the fifth day, temple sources told PTI today.

The chariot procession of the Lord would take place on the penultimate day of the festivals on October 11, they said.

The customary presentation of silk 'Vasthrams' to the temple by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister on behalf of the State Government would be on the 'Dhwajarohanam' day, the first day of the festival, instead of the Garudaseva day.

The change was made with an aim to put an end to the inconvenience caused to devotees being caused by the Chief Minister's visit every year on the busy Garudaseva day, the fifth day of the festival. However, the vastrams would be used on Garudaseve day only, the sources said.

A round the clock security blanket has been spread over Tirumala and its ghat roads for the nine-day fete, they said.