Tirumala Navaratri Brahmotsavam festival begins

Amid tight security arrangements, the Navaratri Brahmotsavam festival began at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara near here today.
A temple official said due to 'Adhika Masam' (extra month) this year with 13 months against the usual 12 months in the traditional Hindu lunar calendar, two Brahmotsavams are being conducted at the shrine.
As part of it, the nine-day Salakatla Brahmotsavam was conducted earlier from September 16 to 24.
The usual Navaratri Brahmotsavam festival commenced today with high priests performing special rituals, the official said.
As part of the festival, the sacred golden 'Pedda Sesha Vahana' procession of Lord Venkateswara was taken out around the temple. About one lakh devotees participated in the procession, he said.

The most auspicious 'Garudaseva Procession' would be taken out on October 18.
Meanwhile, Kerala Governor Justice P Sathasivam with members of his family participated in the pre-dawn rituals conducted in the temple today, he added.