Security tightened for Brahmotsavam festival

Tirupati, Sept 25: Security has been beefed up both in Tirupati and Tirumala in view of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's two-day visit here and Tirumala this evening for Brahmotsavam festival.

The Chief Minister, who will arrive here by a special helicopter at 1730 hrs, will proceed to Tirumala to present the ''Pattuu Vastrams'' between 1930hrs and 2030 hrs to the Lord Venkateswara, the first day of nine-day Annual Brahmotsavams on behalf of the State Government.

Earlier, the practice was to donate the 'Vastrams' on the fifth- day of the festival on the 'Garudaseva' day. The tradition was, however, changed for the convenience of the pilgrims.

Later, the Chief Minister will offer worship to Lord Venkateswara and visit the four mada street, where the almighty's avathar was erected and illuminated.

Dr Reddy, would dedicate the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam(TTD) published 'Andhra Mahabharatham' to the nation' in a programme at Tirumala tomorrow. He will return to Tirupati around 0915 hrs and from where, he will reach Hyderabad by helicopter.

UNI