Thousands participate in car festival at Tirumala

Tirumala, Oct 2 (UNI) Chanting 'Govinda, Govinda,' devotees pulled the temple car of Lord Venkateswara with the festival idol atop, along with his two consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, on the penultimate day of the nine-day annual Brahmotsavam today.

The century-old wooden chariot, colourfully decorated, was pulled by hundreds of devotees, police personnel and volunteers through the four 'mada' streets around the temple with a large number of people offering worship.

The procession began at 0700 hours from East Mada Street near the temple after 'aarthi' was performed to the deities by priests. It concluded at 1055 hours.

'Kolattam' and 'bhajans' by devotees formed part of the procession, which had six caparisoned elephants in the forefront.

The junior jeer, along with his discples led the Vedic chanting.

TTD Trust Board Chairman B Karunakara Reddy, TTD Executive Officer A P V N Sarma, Tirumala Temple JEO G Balaramaiah, TTD Advisor P V R K Prasad, State School Education Secretary P Krishnaiah took part in the procession.

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