Tirupati Festival

Tirupati Festival

August-September; about nine days during Hindu month of BhadrapadaTirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India, is considered an essential pilgrimage center for every devout Hindu. The shrine there, one of the richest temples in the world, is situated on the seven Tirumala hills. Since Tirupati is the seat of Lord Venkteshwara, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, Venkteshwara is also known as the "Lord of the Seven Hills." The grand festival, called Bhramotsavam, is held at Tirupati during the month of Bhadrapada for about nine days, during which Hindus gather to seek Lord Venkteshwara's blessings for material and spiritual gains.
Hindus who make a pilgrimage to Tirupati during the festival in the month of Bhadrapada often shave their hair off as a votive offering. Parents bring very young children there to perform their first tonsure (the act of clipping the hair) at the feet of the image of Lord Venkteshwara.
CONTACTS:
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Temple Administration
TTD Administrative Bldg.
K.T. Rd.
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517 501 India
91-85-7431777; fax: 91-85-7430358
www.ttdsevaonline.com
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Rm. No 123, Transport Bhawan, No. 1, Parliament St.
New Delhi, Delhi 110 001 India
91-11-23715084; fax: 91-11-23715084
www.tourisminindia.com
SOURCES:
RelHolCal-2004, p. 173