Tirupati: Keeping a centuries-old tradition alive, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will celebrate the annual Pallavotsavam festival at the hill shrine on July 22 to commemorate the birth star of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore.Following the evening Sahasra Deepa Alankara Seva, the processional deities of Sri Malayappa Swamy, along with His two divine consorts, Goddess Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, will be taken in a grand ceremonial procession to the Karnataka Choultries.At the venue, representatives of the Karnataka government and members of the Mysore royal family will accord a traditional welcome and offer special Harati to the deities.This unique festival has been observed continuously for the past 300 years in memory of the Maharaja of Mysore’s deep devotion to the temple.Highlighting the enduring bond between the royal house and the hill shrine, the Maharaja had historically instituted the daily ritual of offering Navaneetha Harathi (butter offering).He also initiated the permanent donation of five kilograms of ghee every single day to illuminate the sacred Brahma Deepa and Maharaja Deepa before the commencement of the morning Suprabhatam sevas—a devout practice that remains unbroken to this day.
