Tue Feb 04 14:11:46 UTC 2025: ## Grand Ratha Saptami Celebrations in Tirumala and Arasavalli
**TIRUPATI/ARASAVALLI, February 4, 2025** – The festival of Ratha Saptami, celebrating the sun god Surya, was observed with great splendor across Andhra Pradesh. In Tirumala, the celebrations were particularly vibrant, with Lord Venkateswara gracing devotees on seven different vahanams (vehicles). The festivities began with the Surya Prabha Vahana procession through the temple streets.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) made extensive arrangements for the large number of devotees, ensuring comfortable viewing. These included German sheds in galleries to protect from the elements, and 130 food counters providing tea, coffee, milk, snacks, and meals. LED screens were also set up for those unable to access the galleries. Senior officials oversaw the facilities in the Mada streets.
Simultaneously, in Arasavalli, the Surya Narayana Swamy temple witnessed equally grand Ratha Saptami celebrations. Devotees thronged the temple from midnight onwards. Principal Secretary of the Endowments Department, Vinay Chand, offered silk clothes to the deity. Several dignitaries, including Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and MLAs, participated in special pujas. Mr. Naidu lauded the unprecedented arrangements made by the coalition government for the festival.
First Piper 