Over 2 lakh take part in Lord Balaji Garuda Seva

More than two lakh devotees from across the country today witnessed the 'Garuda seva', celestial procession of Lord Venkateswara of the famous hill shrine at nearby Tirumala, held as part of the ongoing annual Navaratri Brahmotsavam.
The ritual idol of Lord Venkateswara adorned with several diamond set ornaments, including large multi-folded "Sahasra Nama Kasula Haram" and mounted on the 'garuda vahana' (carrier) was taken around in a glittering procession around the more than 2,000-year old temple complex tonight.
An estimated more than two lakh devotees witnessed the procession, a key event held on the fifth day of the nine-day festival, temple officials said.

From the forenoon itself the devotees started congregating in the galleries around the shrine.
About one lakh devotees, especially from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, reached the hills by foot, climbing the 10-km long stairway leading to the shrine, they said.
A thick security blanket was put in place on the hills and also roads leading to the hill shrine on the occasion.