Dasara Brahmotsavam in Tirumala 2026: Complete Day-Wise Schedule, Darshan Timings and Travel Guide

Every October, Tirumala changes pace. The Navaratri festival that most devotees call the Dasara Brahmotsavam in Tirumala fills the streets around the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple with garlands, music and thousands of pilgrims. In 2026 it runs from 12 October to 20 October, with the preparatory Ankurarpanam on 11 October and the Parveta Utsavam on Vijayadashami, 21 October.

This guide follows the festival in date order, from Ankurarpanam to Parveta Utsavam. For each day you will find the vahana, the timings and the darshan windows, followed by practical tips for planning your visit. At Vishnu Travels we take pilgrims to Tirumala every season, so the advice comes from what we see on the ground.

Dasara Brahmotsavam in Tirumala 2026: Quick Facts

What Is the Navaratri Brahmotsavam?

Tirumala holds more than one Brahmotsavam in a year, and the one timed with Dasara is the Navaratri Brahmotsavam. According to tradition, Lord Brahma first performed this festival for Lord Venkateswara, which gives it its name.

During the nine days, the main deity stays in the sanctum. Sri Malayappa Swami, the utsava murti, goes out on procession with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Each day he is carried on a different vahana (divine carrier) through the Mada streets around the temple, and each vahana carries its own symbolism. That is why most devotees plan their trip around specific days rather than just “the festival”.

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At a Glance: The Vahana Schedule

Unless noted, morning vahanas run from 8:00 to 10:00 am and night vahanas from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

After every night vahana, Malayappa Swami returns to the temple, and the Navaratri Koluvu and Asthanam is held at Ranganayakula Mandapam from 9:00 to 10:00 pm.

Day-by-Day Guide

11 October, Sunday: Ankurarpanam

The festival begins quietly with Ankurarpanam, the ritual sowing of seeds that marks the start of the Brahmotsavam.

• Senadhipati Utsavam: 7:00 to 8:00 pm in the four Mada streets, along with Ankurarpana, Yagashala entry and pujas
• Asthanam: 8:00 to 9:00 pm at Ranganayakula Mandapam
• Sarvadarshanam: 6:00 am to 10:00 am, 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, and 7:00 pm to 12:30 am
• Arjita seva: Kalyanotsavam, Unjal Seva and Arjita Brahmotsavam are held from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Sahasra Deepalankara Seva is not held.

12 October, Monday: Day 1

The festival opens with the Bangaru Tirucchi Utsavam from 9:00 to 11:00 am, followed in the evening by the Pedda Sesha Vahanam, where the Lord is carried on the great serpent Adisesha.

• Sarvadarshanam: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, 12:30 to 4:00 pm, and 5:00 pm to 12:30 am
• Vahana procession: leaves Ranganayakula Mandapam at 6:00 pm
• Pedda Sesha Vahanam: 7:00 to 9:00 pm
• Navaratri Koluvu and Asthanam: 9:00 to 10:00 pm

This is a good day if you want the full atmosphere with a somewhat gentler crowd.

13 October, Tuesday: Day 2

Morning brings the Chinna Sesha Vahanam, and the evening belongs to the Hamsa Vahanam. The swan is traditionally linked with discernment and knowledge.

• Sarvadarshanam: 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, then 6:00 pm to 12:30 am
• Chinna Sesha Vahanam: 8:00 to 10:00 am
• Hamsa Vahanam: 7:00 to 9:00 pm

14 October, Wednesday: Day 3

The Simha Vahanam (lion) goes out in the morning, and the Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam, a pearl canopy, in the evening. The pearl canopy makes this one of the more visually striking nights.

• Sarvadarshanam: 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, then 6:00 pm to 12:30 am
• Simha Vahanam: 8:00 to 10:00 am
• Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam: 7:00 to 9:00 pm

15 October, Thursday: Day 4

This is a Thursday, so the evening darshan is the Poolangi Sarvadarshanam. The morning vahana is the Kalpavriksha Vahanam, named for the wish-fulfilling tree, and the night procession is the Sarvabhupala Vahanam.

• Kalpavriksha Vahanam: 8:00 to 10:00 am
• Sarvabhupala Vahanam: 7:00 to 9:00 pm
• Darshan: 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, then Poolangi Sarvadarshanam from 6:00 pm to 12:30 am

16 October, Friday: Day 5

This is the day most pilgrims plan around. The morning begins early, with Suprabhatam at 2:00 am and Abhishekam from 3:30 to 5:00 am.

• Mohini Avataram: 8:00 to 10:00 am. Malayappa Swami appears in the Mohini Avataram, with a palanquin procession in the Tirumada streets alongside Sri Krishna Swami.
• Ornaments procession: 4:30 to 6:30 pm. The Sri Lakshmi Haram, Makara Kanti and Sahasranamavali Haram are brought in procession to the vahana mandapam.
• Garuda Vahanam: 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm
• Darshan: 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, then 3:00 pm to 12:30 am

Expect the biggest crowds of the festival. TTD usually announces special crowd-management arrangements for peak days like this, so check its notifications before you travel.

17 October, Saturday: Day 6

A full day with several events. The Hanumantha Vahanam goes out in the morning, the Vasantotsavam is held at Ranganayakula Mandapam from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, the Pushpaka Vimanam procession follows from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, and the Gaja Vahanam (elephant) closes the day.

• Hanumantha Vahanam: 8:00 to 10:00 am
• Gaja Vahanam: 7:00 to 9:00 pm
• Darshan: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, 1:00 to 5:00 pm, and 6:00 pm to 12:30 am

18 October, Sunday: Day 7

The sun and the moon take turns. The Suryaprabha Vahanam goes out in the morning and the Chandraprabha Vahanam at night. Because it is a Sunday, expect more weekend visitors than on the weekdays.

• Suryaprabha Vahanam: 8:00 to 10:00 am
• Chandraprabha Vahanam: 7:00 to 9:00 pm
• Darshan: 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, then 6:00 to 11:30 pm
• Ekanta Seva: around midnight, earlier than on other days

19 October, Monday: Day 8

The Swarna Rathotsavam (Golden Chariot) begins before sunrise. The Lord is brought to the Ratha Mandapam between 4:00 and 5:30 am, with Ratharohanam at the auspicious Kanya Lagnam from 4:00 to 5:00 am. The chariot procession is scheduled for 7:00 am. In the evening comes the Ashva Vahanam (horse), from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

• Suprabhatam: from 1:00 am
• Darshan: 3:00 am to 4:00 pm, then 6:00 to 11:30 pm

If you want to see the chariot, plan an early start and keep your day flexible.

20 October, Tuesday: Day 9

The final day is the ritual high point of the Brahmotsavam.

• Pallaki Utsavam and Tirucchi Utsavam: 3:00 to 6:00 am
• Chakrasnanam: 6:00 to 9:00 am, with Snapana Tirumanjanam at the Sri Varaha Swamy Temple
• Bangaru Tirucchi Utsavam: 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Tirumada streets
• Navaratri Koluvu: 9:00 to 10:00 pm
• Darshan: 3:00 to 9:00 am, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Tirtham and shatari are not distributed.

21 October, Wednesday: Vijayadashami and Parveta Utsavam

The festival concludes with the Parveta Utsavam from 1:00 to 7:00 pm. Malayappa Swami is taken in procession to the Parveta Mandapam, the related rituals are performed, and he returns to the temple. Arjita sevas are not held.

• Darshan: 6:00 to 10:00 am, then from 10:30 am into the evening (7:00 pm in the detailed list, 7:30 pm in the summary box, so confirm on the day), and 8:00 pm to 12:30 am

The Daily Temple Rhythm

Behind the vahana processions, the temple follows a steady routine. On most days it begins with Suprabhatam at 3:00 am, followed by Thomala Seva, Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam. After the day’s vahana, the Lord returns for Asthanam and the offering of special ornaments at Ranganayakula Mandapam. Evening rituals include Shuddhi, archana and the night bell. The day ends with Ekanta Seva, usually at 1:00 am.

Suprabhatam moves earlier on Day 5 (2:00 am), Day 8 (1:00 am) and Day 9 (1:00 am), so check your day’s timing before you leave your stay.

Practical Tips for Pilgrims

A little planning makes a big difference during the Dasara Brahmotsavam in Tirumala.

Book early. Rooms near the temple fill up quickly in festival weeks, especially around the weekend of 16 and 17 October. Sort out your stay before you sort out your itinerary.

Pick your priority day. Trying to see every vahana in one trip is tiring. Choose the one or two that matter most to your family, such as Garuda Vahanam or Swarna Rathotsavam, and keep the rest flexible.

Allow extra time on the ghat roads. On peak days, traffic between Tirupati and Tirumala can be slow. Leave early and avoid fixed appointments after your darshan.

A few small habits also help:

• Carry a valid photo ID, as TTD processes often require it
• Wear comfortable clothing that follows the temple dress code
• Keep drinking water and light snacks, since queues and procession waits can be long
• Travel light and leave valuables at your stay
• Follow the official TTD website and announcements for last-minute changes

Planning Your Trip: Cabs and Pilgrimage Packages

Getting to Tirumala is easy. Getting there on time, when roads are crowded and darshan windows are tight, takes planning. That is where a local travel partner helps.

Vishnu Travels offers cab and taxi services in the Tirupati region along with pilgrimage tour packages across South India. For the Brahmotsavam, our guests typically ask for:

• Pickup from Tirupati railway station, bus stand or airport, with a drop to Tirumala timed for their darshan slot
• Same-day return trips, so you can see a vahana and be back by night
• Multi-day pilgrimage plans that combine Tirumala with Tiruchanur, Srinivasa Mangapuram, Srikalahasti and Kanipakam
• Family-friendly vehicles for elderly relatives and children

We plan around TTD’s traffic arrangements and keep timings realistic. Pricing depends on your route, group size and dates, so the quickest way to an accurate quote is to contact us directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Dasara Brahmotsavam in Tirumala in 2026?
It runs from 12 to 20 October 2026, with Ankurarpanam on 11 October and the Parveta Utsavam on 21 October.

When is Garuda Seva in 2026?
Garuda Vahanam is on Friday, 16 October 2026, from 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

Is darshan available on all festival days?
Yes, Sarvadarshanam continues each day with short breaks. Exact timings vary by day.

Where is Chakrasnanam performed?
At the Sri Varaha Swamy Temple on the morning of 20 October, from 6:00 to 9:00 am.

Are arjita sevas conducted during the Brahmotsavam?
The festival schedule does not list the usual arjita sevas, and none are held on 21 October. On 11 October, Kalyanotsavam, Unjal Seva and Arjita Brahmotsavam take place between 12:00 and 4:00 pm.

Final Thoughts

The Dasara Brahmotsavam in Tirumala is one of the richest weeks of the pilgrimage year. Each vahana tells a different story, and each day has its own mood. Whether you come for Garuda Seva, the Golden Chariot or the Chakrasnanam, a clear plan and a reliable ride make the experience calmer and more meaningful.

If you are travelling on these dates and want help with cabs or a pilgrimage package, reach out to Vishnu Travels:

• Phone: +91 9063404081
• Email: vishnutravels6509@gmail.com
• Website: vishnu-travels.com

Schedule details are based on the TTD programme for Navaratri Brahmotsavam 2026. Timings may change, so please confirm on the official TTD website before you travel.