Srinivasa Mangapuram Festival Starts with Flag Ceremony

The annual Brahmotsavam festival at the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple in Srinivasa Mangapuram has started. A flag hoisting ceremony on Sunday, February 8, 2026, marked the beginning of the nine-day event. Many people came to watch the start of the many religious events.
By Newsroom | Festivals, Andhra Pradesh |

Festival Begins with Sacred Flag Hoisting; Devotees Gather in Large Numbers

The annual Brahmotsavams at the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple in Srinivasa Mangapuram, near Tirupati, have begun. The Dhwajarohanam ritual, a sacred flag hoisting ceremony, marked the official start of the festival on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Devotees congregated around the temple's flagpost, chanting devotional slogans. The event signifies the commencement of a series of religious observances and processions scheduled to last until February 16, 2026.

Background of the Festival

The Srinivasa Mangapuram Brahmotsavam is a significant annual event held at the temple managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). This festival is dedicated to Lord Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy and is celebrated with traditional vahanam (vehicle) processions and sacred rituals. The temple's historical significance is tied to folklore suggesting Lord Venkateswara stayed in the region after his marriage to Goddess Sri Padmavathi Devi. The festival is observed annually during the Magha Masam, typically falling in February or March. Preparations for the 2026 festival were completed by the TTD, with arrangements made for illuminations and security.

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Srinivasa Mangapuram Brahmotsavam off to a colourful start - 1

| Event | Date | Time | Details || :—————————- | :——————- | :———————- | :———————————————————————- || Dhwajarohanam | Feb 08, 2026 | 8:15–8:35 AM | Sacred flag hoisting ceremony || Rathotsavam | Feb 15, 2026 | Specific timings | Chariot procession || Chakra Snanam | Feb 16, 2026 | 9:55–10:15 AM | Sacred bath ritual || Dwaja Avarohanam | Feb 16, 2026 | Specific timings | Conclusion ritual || Vahana Sevas (Daily) | Feb 08-16, 2026 | Morning/Evening | Various deity processions || Swarna Ratham | Feb 13, 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Golden chariot procession || Vasanthotsavam | Feb 13, 2026 | 2:00–3:00 PM | Spring festival with special pujas || Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam | (Before festival) | (Specific timings) | Sanctification of the temple premises || Ankurarpanam | (Before festival) | (Specific timings) | Seedling ritual, marks commencement of festivities |

Rituals and Observances

The Brahmotsavam encompasses a nine-day period filled with various rituals. Key events include the daily vahanam sevas, where the deity is taken out in processions on different divine vehicles.

Srinivasa Mangapuram Brahmotsavam off to a colourful start - 2

  • Morning Vahanam Seva: Scheduled between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

  • Evening Vahanam Seva: Scheduled between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

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Notable processions and rituals include:

  • Dhwajarohanam: The initial flag hoisting on February 8.

  • Pedda Sesha Vahanam and Chinna Sesha Vahanam: Processions on the large and small serpent mounts.

  • Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam and Kalpavriksha Vahanam: Processions on the pearl pandal and wish-fulfilling tree mounts.

  • Sarvabhoopala Vahanam and Pallaki Utsavam: Processions on the king of kings mount and a palanquin.

  • Garuda Vahanam: A significant procession scheduled for February 12, 2026. The Lakshmi Haram from Tirumala is expected to arrive for this occasion.

  • Surya Prabha Vahanam and Chandra Prabha Vahanam: Processions on the sun and moon chariots.

  • Rathotsavam: The chariot festival, scheduled for February 15, 2026, is anticipated to draw very large crowds. Entry to vahanam sevas is free, with no special tickets required.

  • Swarna Ratham: The Golden Chariot procession is set for February 13, 2026.

  • Vasanthotsavam: A spring festival with special pujas and celebrations will also occur on February 13, 2026.

  • Chakra Snanam: A sacred bath ritual for the deity, scheduled for February 16, 2026.

  • Dhwaja Avarohanam: The concluding ritual on February 16, 2026.

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Prior to the main festival, rituals such as Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam, a temple sanctification, and Ankurarpanam, a seed-sowing ritual, are performed to ensure ritual purity.

Temple Officials and Preparations

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials have overseen the arrangements. M. Ravi, TTD Executive Officer, along with Deputy Executive Officer V. Veerabrahmam, Chief Vigilance & Security Officer K.V. Muralikrishna, and Special Officer and Chief Public Relations Officer T. Ravi, were present at the commencement. Preparations included ensuring smooth conduct for devotees, with security teams coordinating with local police. Electrical illuminations are in place, drawing inspiration from the famous Brahmotsavams at Tirumala.

Devotional Experience and Accessibility

The festival emphasizes an inclusive cultural fabric, honoring diverse paths while promoting inner harmony. Temple authorities advise pilgrims to adhere to TTD advisories and temple etiquette for a smooth darshan. The event is held at the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple in Srinivasa Mangapuram, which is approximately 12 km from Tirupati. Regular bus services are available from Tirupati to the temple. The festival is designed to facilitate orderly and devotional participation, with specific timings for rituals and darshan.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did the Brahmotsavam festival start?
The festival began on Sunday, February 8, 2026, with a flag hoisting ceremony.
Q: When will the festival end?
The festival will conclude on February 16, 2026.
Q: What are some main events during the festival?
Key events include daily processions on different mounts, a chariot festival on February 15, and a sacred bath on February 16.
Q: Where is the temple located?
The temple is in Srinivasa Mangapuram, near Tirupati.