In brief: This week at Tirumala saw grand Gokulashtami celebrations (Asthanam on 4 September, Utlotsavam on 5 September), the ACB arrest of a TTD Deputy Executive Officer in a disproportionate-assets case linked to the laddu ghee-adulteration probe, and a fresh TTD advisory warning devotees against fake ticket-booking websites. Details and sources below.

Here is a roundup of the major developments at Tirumala Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, for the first week of September 2026 — combining spiritual celebration with significant administrative news. Where the news concerns an investigation, we report it as stated by the authorities and mainstream media, with sources linked at the end.

Grand Gokulashtami (Krishna Janmashtami) celebrations at Tirumala

In view of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, TTD celebrated Gokulashtami Asthanam on Friday, 4 September 2026, and the traditional Utlotsavam (pot-breaking festival) on Saturday, 5 September 2026. According to TTD’s official news service, the observances spanned Tirumala and several TTD temples.

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  • Abhishekam & Asthanam (4 Sep): special abhishekam to Sri Krishna Swamy was performed in the evening, followed by the Gokulashtami Asthanam, archana, snapana tirumanjanam and nivedana as per tradition.
  • Utlotsavam (5 Sep): after Suprabhatam, Thomala Seva and Panchanga Sravanam in the morning, Sri Krishna Swamy’s street procession was held, followed by the Utlotsavam in the evening.
  • Across TTD temples: celebrations were held at the Sri Krishna Swamy temple in Tiruchanur (attached to Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple), Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple in Tirupati, Sri Venugopala Swamy temple at Kapila Theertham, and Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple at Narayanavanam.
  • Cultural programmes: the TTD Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad and the Annamacharya Project organised Harikatha, bhajans and devotional-music programmes, with Go Puja performed at the TTD Goshala.

ACB arrests TTD Deputy Executive Officer in disproportionate-assets case

In a major administrative development, the Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a TTD Deputy Executive Officer, M. Lokanatham (reported by some outlets as Lokanadham), in a disproportionate-assets case connected to the ongoing investigation into the Tirupati laddu ghee-adulteration episode. The following details are as reported by mainstream media and stated by the ACB:

  • The ACB conducted simultaneous searches at premises linked to the officer in Tirupati district in early September, and the arrest followed the searches.
  • Officials reportedly seized cash, around two kilograms of gold, several kilograms of silver, fixed deposits and property documents.
  • The ACB said it identified assets worth approximately ₹5 crore, including properties reportedly in the names of family members.
  • The action is linked to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) / CBI probe into alleged ghee adulteration in Tirumala laddu prasadam.

Note: This is an ongoing investigation. The matter is reported here as stated by the authorities and the press; charges are yet to be proven in court. See the linked sources for full details.

TTD warns devotees against fake ticket-booking websites

TTD has issued a fresh advisory cautioning devotees about fake websites — including one operating as ttddevasthanam.online — that falsely displayed Srivari darshan and seva ticket availability to collect money from pilgrims. TTD said it has approached the domain platform to take down the site and has registered a police complaint. Devotees are urged to book darshan, accommodation and sevas only through the official website tirumala.org or the official TTD app, and to beware of fake WhatsApp accounts and social-media pages.

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For devotees planning a Tirumala visit

  • Book only official: use tirumala.org or the official TTD mobile app for darshan, sevas and accommodation.
  • Verify before paying: avoid links from unknown WhatsApp messages, ads or lookalike domains.
  • Plan around events: festival days and Brahmotsavams draw heavy footfall — check the official calendar before travel.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Gokulashtami celebrated at Tirumala in 2026?

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) held the Gokulashtami Asthanam on Friday, 4 September 2026 and the Utlotsavam (the pot-breaking festival) on Saturday, 5 September 2026, in view of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, as announced by TTD’s official news service.

Why was a TTD Deputy Executive Officer arrested?

According to reports, the Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a TTD Deputy Executive Officer, M. Lokanatham, in a disproportionate-assets case linked to the ongoing investigation into the Tirupati laddu ghee-adulteration episode. The ACB said it identified assets worth around ₹5 crore during searches. These are official ACB actions reported by mainstream media; the case is under investigation.

How can I avoid fake TTD websites?

TTD has cautioned devotees that fake websites and WhatsApp/social-media accounts are collecting money in the name of Srivari darshan and seva tickets. TTD has filed a police complaint. Book darshan, accommodation and sevas only through the official website tirumala.org or the official TTD mobile app.

Om Namo Venkatesaya.