The Spirit of Utsavams in Tirumala
Tirumala, the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara, is often described as the place where “Nitya Kalyanam, Paccha Toranam” – meaning “Every day is a festival and every moment is auspicious.” The month of October 2025 is particularly significant, filled with vibrant utsavams (festivals), special rituals, and processions that attract thousands of devotees from all over the world.
During this period, devotees witness a divine blend of light, devotion, sound, and spirituality, as the temple town celebrates Deepavali, Pushpayagam, and other lesser-known but equally sacred observances that honor saints, seers, and divine attendants.
Major Festivals and Utsavams of October 2025
Below is the detailed schedule of the major festivals and rituals at Tirumala during October 2025, along with explanations of their significance and the spiritual essence behind each observance.
• October 1 - Srivari Rathotsavam
The month begins with the grand Srivari Rathotsavam, the chariot festival of Lord Malayappa Swamy. On this day, the beautifully decorated wooden chariot carrying the divine idols of the Lord and His consorts is pulled through the four mada streets surrounding the temple. Devotees chant “Govinda Govinda” in unison as they pull the massive chariot, symbolizing the act of surrendering one’s ego and worldly burdens at the feet of the Lord. This vibrant celebration fills Tirumala with devotion, music, and the sound of traditional temple instruments.
• October 2 - Chakra Snanam and Dwaja Avarohanam
On this day, Chakra Snanam, the sacred bathing of the Sudarshana Chakra, is performed. It marks the ceremonial conclusion of the Brahmotsavam festivities. The Lord’s divine discus, the Sudarshana Chakra, is taken to the temple tank (Pushkarini) and bathed amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns. Later, the Dwaja Avarohanam ritual is held, during which the temple flag is ceremoniously lowered, symbolizing the successful completion of the festival and the Lord’s return to His sanctum after blessing the devotees.
• October 3 - Bag Savari Procession
The Bag Savari Procession is a symbolic event representing divine victory and the Lord’s triumphant return after the conclusion of the Brahmotsavam. The term “Bag Savari” refers to the royal progress or inspection, during which the deity is taken out in a small procession accompanied by priests, musicians, and devotees. This day is considered auspicious for devotees to express gratitude and seek blessings for the coming months.
• October 15 - Tirumala Nambi Utsavam Begins
Midway through the month, the Tirumala Nambi Utsavam begins, celebrating the life and devotion of Tirumala Nambi, a revered saint closely associated with Lord Venkateswara’s temple service. Nambi is remembered for his deep faith and his role in preserving and transmitting temple traditions. The festival involves recitation of scriptures, processions, and special offerings in his honor.
• October 20 - Deepavali Asthanam and Sahasra Deepalankarana
Deepavali in Tirumala is one of the grandest and most spiritually charged celebrations of the year. The Deepavali Asthanam is held in the morning, where the Lord is worshipped as the divine emperor of the universe, seated in royal splendor amidst sacred rituals and offerings.
In the evening, the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva takes place at the Unjal Mandapam. The Lord and His consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, are adorned with jewels and flowers and seated amidst a thousand glowing lamps, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. The radiance of these lamps illuminates the temple surroundings, creating a divine and serene atmosphere. The day concludes with a grand procession of the Lord around the four mada streets. Regular sevas such as Kalyanotsavam and Arjitha Brahmotsavam remain suspended to accommodate the festival rituals.
• October 23 - Bhaginihasta Bhojanam
Bhaginihasta Bhojanam is a unique ritual that embodies the spirit of unity and sacred sharing. On this day, a special meal is offered and partaken by priests and devotees together. The word “Bhaginihasta” translates to “from the hand of a sister,” symbolizing the affectionate and pure sharing of food among devotees, reminding all of the values of equality and divine kinship.
• October 24 - Tirumala Nambi Shattumora
The Tirumala Nambi Shattumora is a ceremonial procession honoring Tirumala Nambi’s contributions to the temple. “Shattumora” refers to a ritualistic procession held in reverence to a saint or deity. On this day, devotees recall Nambi’s dedication, humility, and lifelong service to Lord Venkateswara. Hymns and recitations from the sacred texts are chanted, and the temple atmosphere becomes filled with devotion and gratitude.
• October 25 - Nagula Chaviti and Pedda Sesha Vahanam
Nagula Chaviti is a festival devoted to serpent worship, representing fertility, protection, and renewal of life. At Tirumala, this observance coincides with the Pedda Sesha Vahanam, where the Lord is taken in a procession seated majestically on the giant serpent Adisesha, His eternal companion. The sight of the Lord on the seven-hooded serpent vahana is awe-inspiring and symbolizes His supreme power as the protector of the universe. Devotees offer prayers for the well-being of their families and the removal of ancestral doshas (afflictions).
• October 27 - Manavala Mahamuni Shattumora
On this day, the temple honors Manavala Mahamuni, one of the great Acharyas of the Srivaishnava tradition. His Shattumora is marked by a grand procession and chanting of his teachings and hymns. The festival highlights his role in spreading the divine philosophy of surrender and devotion. The day also fosters a deep reflection on the guru-disciple tradition that sustains the temple’s spiritual lineage.
• October 28 - Senai Modaliyar Varsha Tiru Nakshatram
Senai Modaliyar, known as Vishvaksena, is considered the commander-in-chief of Lord Vishnu’s celestial army. His Varsha Tiru Nakshatram, or annual star day, is celebrated with great devotion. The rituals performed on this day seek his blessings for order, protection, and discipline in both worldly and spiritual pursuits. The ceremonies emphasize that even divine service must be carried out with precision and dedication, reflecting Senai Modaliyar’s own attributes.
• October 29 - Pushpayagam Mahotsavam - Ankurarpanam
The Ankurarpanam marks the beginning of the Pushpayagam Mahotsavam, a floral festival dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. This ritual involves the sowing of sacred seeds, symbolizing growth, prosperity, and the sowing of virtue. It represents the germination of spiritual life within the hearts of devotees and the renewal of cosmic harmony. The temple priests perform the ritual amidst chanting of Vedic mantras, preparing for the grand Pushpayagam the next day.
• October 30 - Pushpayagam Festival Day
The Pushpayagam is one of Tirumala’s most visually enchanting and devotional festivals. On this day, the Lord and His consorts are offered worship through thousands of fresh flowers of various colors and fragrances. The entire sanctum and temple corridors are decorated with floral designs, garlands, and petals, creating a heavenly ambiance.
Each flower symbolizes a devotee’s offering of love and gratitude to the Lord. The ritual also signifies nature’s cycle of giving back to the divine creator. Due to the elaborate nature of this celebration, all regular paid sevas are suspended for the day, allowing full focus on this grand floral homage.
• October 31 - Poodattalvar Varsha Tiru Nakshatram and Yajnavalkya Jayanti
The month concludes with two sacred observances. The Poodattalvar Varsha Tiru Nakshatram celebrates the birth star of Poodattalvar, one of the earliest Alvars and a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, whose hymns form a core part of the Divya Prabandham. The temple honors him with special prayers and recitations of his works.
On the same day, Yajnavalkya Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of the Vedic sage Yajnavalkya, the philosopher who revealed profound wisdom in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. His teachings on self-realization and truth are remembered through Vedic chanting and scholarly discourses, reinforcing Tirumala’s role as a center of spiritual learning.
October 2025 in Tirumala is not just a sequence of religious events; it is a living journey through devotion, culture, and divine celebration. Each utsavam, whether grand like Deepavali Asthanam or intimate like Bhaginihasta Bhojanam, reflects a unique aspect of spiritual life — service, gratitude, discipline, or surrender.
For devotees, visiting Tirumala in this sacred month is akin to walking through heaven on earth, surrounded by lights, flowers, hymns, and the eternal presence of Lord Venkateswara.
Highlights of the Major Utsavams
Deepavali Asthanam and Sahasra Deepalankarana (October 20)
This is one of the most visually striking and spiritually uplifting days in Tirumala. The morning begins with the Deepavali Asthanam, where the Lord is worshipped as the Supreme Emperor of the Universe. The temple is adorned with deepams (lamps), flowers, and auspicious symbols.
In the evening, the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva takes place at the Unjal Mandapam. Lord Malayappa Swamy, along with His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, is seated amidst a thousand lamps, creating a mesmerizing glow of divine light. The day concludes with a majestic procession of the Lord around the four mada streets.
Pushpayagam Mahotsavam (October 29–30)
The Pushpayagam is a floral festival symbolizing the offering of nature’s beauty back to the divine. It begins with Ankurarpanam, the sowing of seeds that signifies purity and new beginnings.
On the main day, the temple is transformed into a garden of devotion. The Lord and His consorts are showered with flowers of different varieties and colors while Vedic hymns are chanted. It represents the devotees’ gratitude to the divine for sustaining life and nature’s bounty.
Because of the magnitude of the event, all regular paid sevas remain suspended. Thousands of devotees gather to witness the Lord adorned entirely in flowers.
Nambi and Alvar Utsavams (October 15, 24, 27, 31)
These utsavams honor saints and devotees who played significant roles in propagating the Vaishnava tradition. Tirumala Nambi, Manavala Mahamuni, and the Alvars like Poodattalvar are remembered for their devotion and service.
The Shattumora processions held in their honor are deeply devotional, featuring recitation of their hymns, special offerings, and chanting of Divya Prabandham verses.
Devotional and Cultural Insights
1. The Living Heritage of Tirumala
Every ritual, from the lighting of lamps to the floral offerings, carries centuries of heritage. October’s festivals mirror the balance between cosmic order, nature’s cycles, and human devotion.
2. The Role of Devotees and Volunteers
Thousands of devotees participate in temple cleaning, flower arrangements, and lamp decorations. Volunteers and the temple’s sevak teams ensure that pilgrims experience the utsavams in an orderly, spiritually charged environment.
3. Astrological and Vedic Foundations
Many of these observances are linked with lunar days and nakshatras. The festival calendar is carefully synchronized with astrological timings to maintain the divine rhythm of worship.
4. Managing the Pilgrim Flow
October witnesses heavy pilgrim traffic, especially around Deepavali and Pushpayagam. The TTD usually announces special schedules for darshan and accommodation well in advance. Devotees are advised to plan early, reach before sunrise on festival days, and follow all temple guidelines.
Visiting Tirumala During October 2025
For pilgrims planning a visit during this auspicious period:
Book early for darshan and accommodation through official channels.
Arrive a day in advance for major events like Deepavali Asthanam or Pushpayagam.
Respect dress codes and temple customs.
Check daily temple bulletins for timing updates or changes.
Carry essentials such as water, traditional offerings, and footwear bags since walking paths are often crowded.
Maintain decorum during processions and follow volunteer instructions.
October 2025 in Tirumala will be a sacred blend of faith, light, flowers, and devotion. From the radiance of the Deepavali Asthanam to the fragrance of the Pushpayagam, every day brings devotees closer to the divine presence of Lord Venkateswara.
This month is not only about rituals but also about community, gratitude, and the eternal bond between the Creator and creation. Pilgrims who visit Tirumala during this time witness the true meaning of “Vaikuntham on Earth.”