Tirumala Salakatla Brahmotsavam 2026 will be held from
September 15 to September 23, 2026, with Garuda Seva on
September 19. Because of Adhika Maasa, 2026 is a rare year with a
second Brahmotsavam (Navaratri) in October. Full nine-day
vahana seva schedule, highlights and pilgrim tips below.
Tirumala Salakatla Brahmotsavam 2026 Dates
The Tirumala Salakatla Brahmotsavam 2026 (“Salakatla” means the
annual Brahmotsavam) will be celebrated from
September 15 to September 23, 2026 at the Sri Venkateswara
Swamy Temple, Tirumala.
- Ankurarpana (Pre-ritual): September 14, 2026
- Dwajarohanam (Flag Hoisting): September 15, 2026
- Garuda Seva (main day): September 19, 2026
- Rathotsavam (Chariot festival): September 22, 2026
- Chakrasnanam (Conclusion): September 23, 2026
This nine-day festival is the most significant event at the Sri Venkateswara
Swamy Temple in Tirumala, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the world.
Two Brahmotsavams in 2026 — a Rare Year
Because 2026 has an Adhika Maasa (an extra lunar month),
Tirumala will host two Brahmotsavams — a rare occurrence:
- Salakatla (Annual) Brahmotsavam: September 15 – 23, 2026 (Garuda Seva on September 19).
- Navaratri Brahmotsavam: October 12 – 20, 2026 (Garuda Seva on October 16), held alongside Dasara.
Devotees who miss the September festival get a second opportunity to witness the
grand vahana sevas in October.
Daily Vahana Seva Schedule (Salakatla, 2026)
Here is the day-by-day vahana seva schedule for the Tirumala
Salakatla Brahmotsavam 2026:
- Day 1 (Sept 15): Dwajarohanam, Pedda Sesha Vahanam (Night)
- Day 2 (Sept 16): Chinna Sesha Vahanam (Morning), Hamsa Vahanam (Night)
- Day 3 (Sept 17): Simha Vahanam (Morning), Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam (Night)
- Day 4 (Sept 18): Kalpavriksha Vahanam (Morning), Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam (Night)
- Day 5 (Sept 19): Mohini Avataram (Morning), Garuda Vahanam / Garuda Seva (Night) — the biggest day
- Day 6 (Sept 20): Hanumantha Vahanam (Morning), Gaja Vahanam (Night)
- Day 7 (Sept 21): Surya Prabha Vahanam (Morning), Chandra Prabha Vahanam (Night)
- Day 8 (Sept 22): Rathotsavam (Morning), Aswa Vahanam (Night)
- Day 9 (Sept 23): Chakrasnanam (Morning), Dwajavarohanam (Evening)
Vahana seva timings are set by TTD each year; please confirm the exact schedule on the official TTD website before you travel.
Highlights of Brahmotsavam 2026
- Garuda Seva (Sept 19): The most important night, when Lord Venkateswara is taken in procession on the Garuda Vahanam. Expect the heaviest crowd.
- Rathotsavam (Sept 22): Thousands of devotees pull the majestic wooden chariot along the four Mada streets.
- Chakrasnanam (Sept 23): The Lord’s Sudarshana Chakra is bathed in the Swami Pushkarini, marking the end of the festival.
Importance of Salakatla Brahmotsavam
- It is the biggest annual festival in Tirumala.
- Devotees believe that darshan and vahana sevas during Brahmotsavam bring peace, prosperity and spiritual merit.
- Celebrated since the era of the Pallava and Vijayanagara kings, it continues as a living symbol of devotion and tradition.
Tips for Pilgrims
- Expect very heavy crowds, especially on Garuda Seva day (Sept 19).
- Book accommodation and any darshan/arjitha sevas well in advance through the official TTD channels.
- Use the APSRTC free buses that run between Tirupati and Tirumala.
- Carry only essentials and avoid prohibited items at the temple.
- Elderly devotees may prefer the less crowded early days for a calmer darshan.
Official Booking & Confirmation
This page is an independent pilgrim guide. For official Brahmotsavam schedules,
arjitha seva tickets, accommodation and darshan bookings, always use the
official Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) website at
tirumala.org
and the TTD online portal
tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in. Dates are based on TTD announcements and may be revised by the Devasthanam.
