2 lakh witness 'Ratha Sapthami' festival in Lord Balaji shrine

Around two lakh devotees from across the country today took part in the annual "Ratha Sapthami" festival conducted with religious pomp at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala near here on the occasion of Surya jayanthi.
As part of the festivity, the centuries old 'utsav' idol of Lord Venkateswara adorned with several gem set ornaments was taken out in procession around the temple mounted on seven sacred golden 'vahanas' (carriers) at different intervals from dawn to night.
The holy spectacle began just before the crack of dawn with the idol of Lord being carried on the majestic golden 'Surya' (Sun) 'vahana' followed by the other six carriers -- "Chinna Sesha, Garuda, Hanuman, Kalpavriksha, Sarvabhupala and Chandra."

Rathasapthami festival was observed annually as one of the most sacred events at the over two millennia old shrine on the occasion of 'jayanthi of Lord Surya (Sun), a temple official told PTI.
Tens of thousands of devotees took a holy dip in the sprawling tank located adjacent to the shrine on occasion.