Festivals of Tirumala: A Divine Calendar of 2026

The sacred hills of Tirumala, home to the revered Lord Venkateswara Swamy under the care of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), come alive each year with a vibrant tapestry of festivals.

In 2026, the Tirumala Temple Festivals promise an especially enchanting spiritual journey — blending ancient rituals, grand processions, and timeless devotion.

This year holds divine rarity — due to the presence of Adhika Masa (extra lunar month), devotees will witness two magnificent Brahmotsavams:

• Salakatla Brahmotsavam → September 15–23, 2026
• Navaratri Brahmotsavam → October 12–20, 2026

Adding to the celestial calendar, Vaikunta Ekadasi is expected around December 20, 2026, when the heavenly gates of Vaikunta Dwaram open for devotees.

Whether you seek special darshan insights, wish to align your pilgrimage with key festivals, or simply desire to feel the pulse of Tirumala’s sacred rhythm — this guide serves as your ultimate Tirumala Temple Festivals 2026 Calendar.

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🪔 Tirumala: Where Every Day is a Festival

Tirumala celebrates over 450 festivals annually, reflecting its deep-rooted connection with Hindu tradition. Expect elaborate vahana sevas, breathtaking floral decorations, and throngs of pilgrims moving in divine harmony under the watchful gaze of Sri Balaji.

👉 Travel Tip: During major festivals, book your darshan tickets well in advance through TTD’s online portal or official counters to avoid long queues.

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📅 Complete Festival Calendar 2026: Month-Wise Overview

Month	Date(s)	Festival/Event	Key Highlights
January	Jan 1	New Year Darshanam	Special prayers and extended darshan.
	Jan 14	Bhogi & Makara Sankranti	Pongal offerings and holy dip.
	Jan 25	Vaikunta Ekadasi	Opening of celestial gates.
	Jan 26	Vaikunta Dwadasi (Chakrasnanam)	Sacred bath in Swami Pushkarini.
February	Feb 13	Rathasapthami	Sun God’s seven vahana processions.
	Feb 22	Maga Purnima (Rama Krishna Teertha Mukkoti)	Holy dip and Garuda Seva.
March	Mar 1–5	Float Festival	Deities on swan-shaped boats; serene evenings.
	Mar 3	Holi	Festival of colors.
	Mar 14	Maha Shivaratri	All-night vigil and Rudrabhishekam.
	Mar 19	Annamacharya Vardhanti	Hymns of saint-poet Annamacharya.
April	Apr 8	Ugadi (Telugu New Year)	Panchanga Sravanam, Kalyanotsavam.
	Apr 25	Rama Navami	Celebration of Lord Rama’s birth.
	Apr 30	Panguni Uthiram	Divine marriage of deities.
May	May 1	Hanuman Jayanti	Lord Hanuman’s birth.
	May 14	Akshaya Tritiya	Auspicious beginnings; special abhishekam.
	May 20	Padmavathi Srinivasa Parinayotsavam	Celestial wedding of Lord and Goddess.
	May 21	Vaishakha Purnima	Pournami Garuda Seva.
	May 30	Narasimha Jayanti	Celebration of Lord Narasimha’s avatar.
June	Jun 5	Ganga Dussehra	Worship of sacred rivers.
	Jun 16–18	Jyestabhishekam	Grand bathing ceremony.
July	Jul 13	Aadi Amavasai	Ancestral rituals.
	Jul 17	Garuda Panchami	Serpent worship and Garuda Seva.
August	Aug 4–5	Gokulashtami	Lord Krishna’s birth celebrations.
	Aug 15	Varalakshmi Vratam	Prayers for prosperity.
	Aug 25	Vinayaka Chaturthi	Worship of Lord Ganesha.
September	Sep 15–23	Salakatla Brahmotsavam	Grand annual festival with Rathotsavam.
	Sep 25	Mahalaya Amavasya	Pitru Paksha culmination.
October	Oct 2	Vijaya Dashami	Triumph of good over evil.
	Oct 12–20	Navaratri Brahmotsavam	Golden Chariot procession; Navadurga worship.
	Oct 28	Deepavali	Festival of lights and Lakshmi puja.
November	Nov 14	Karthigai Deepam	Lamps illuminating the temple.
	Nov 20	Subrahmanya Sashti	Worship of Lord Skanda.
December	Dec 10	Hanumath Jayanti	Celebrating Hanuman’s valor.
	Dec 20–29	Vaikunta Ekadasi	Ten-day heavenly darshan period.

Dates are based on traditional Panchangam references and TTD schedules; check TTD’s official announcements closer to each event for confirmation.

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🌿 In-Depth Highlights of Major Festivals

🛕 Brahmotsavam 2026 – The Chariot of Devotion (Double Celebration!)

Dates:

• Salakatla Brahmotsavam: September 15–23, 2026
• Navaratri Brahmotsavam: October 12–20, 2026

Significance:
The rare Adhika Masa brings two Brahmotsavams this year — symbolizing abundance, renewal, and divine grace.

Rituals:
Each begins with Ankurarpanam (seed sowing) and Dhwajarohanam (flag hoisting), followed by daily Vahana Sevas: Pedda Sesha, Hamsa, Simha, and the grand Garuda Vahanam (Sep 19 and Oct 16). The festival concludes with Chakrasnanam and Dhwajavarohanam.

Darshan Insights:
Book VIP tickets (₹10,000+) or Srivani tickets (₹500) months ahead. Free darshan lines fill by early morning. Expect over 6 lakh pilgrims daily.

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🌌 Vaikunta Ekadasi – Gates to Heaven

Approx. Dates: December 20–29, 2026

Significance:
Marks the divine opening of Vaikunta Dwaram, symbolizing liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Rituals:
Early morning golden chariot procession, Unjal Seva, Dolotsavam, and Chakrasnanam.

Darshan Insights:
Mandatory Vaikunta Dwara tokens; massive turnout expected. Arrive early for entry and soak in the glowing floral décor and continuous bhajans.

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☀️ Rathasapthami – The Sun God’s Festival

Date: February 13, 2026

Significance:
Celebrates Surya’s northern journey (Uttarayana), symbolizing light and renewal.

Rituals:
Seven vahana processions from dawn to dusk — a “mini Brahmotsavam” in one day.

Darshan Insights:
Ideal sunrise viewing from galleries; expect 1 lakh+ devotees.

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🌕 Float Festival – Serenity on the Waters

Dates: March 1–5, 2026

Significance:
Symbolizes Lord’s cosmic play upon waters, inspiring inner calm.

Rituals:
Deities are placed on decorated boats in the Swami Pushkarini, accompanied by hymns and lights.

Darshan Insights:
Evening spectacle with moderate crowds; best enjoyed from lakeside view.

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🌸 Ugadi – The Telugu New Year

Date: April 8, 2026

Significance:
Marks a new beginning in the Telugu calendar with spiritual renewal.

Rituals:
Panchanga Sravanam, Kalyanotsavam, and distribution of Ugadi Pachadi — a mix of six tastes of life.

Darshan Insights:
Festive morning darshan; prasadam is distributed widely.

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🌺 Embracing the Divine Rhythm of Tirumala

The Festivals of Tirumala 2026 are not mere dates — they are spiritual milestones. With two Brahmotsavams, the luminous Vaikunta Ekadasi, and countless sacred observances, 2026 offers an unprecedented opportunity to immerse in Lord Venkateswara’s grace.

As you plan your darshan through www.hindutone.com, remember:

Devotion needs no ticket — but preparation ensures peace.

May Lord Venkateswara bless your pilgrimage with faith, fulfillment, and boundless divine light.

Govinda! Govinda! 🙏