Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Pushpa Pallaki

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Pushpa Pallaki

As per the tradition followed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTDs), temple accounts begin from Dakshinayana (winter solstice) in July. Anivara Asthanam, the grand durbar festival of Lord Venkateswara otherwise known as “Accounting Festival”, is celebrated on that day (usually on July 16). On this day the previous year's accounts are submitted to the Lord and begin a new financial year opening a new book. All the principal officers of the temple deposit their insignia of office at the feet of the Lord and take them back.

The significance of the ceremony is that the Lord allows them to hold their respective offices as he found them fit. In the evening the Lord is taken round in a procession along the four maada streets on a richly decorated floral palanquin. It is a remarkable spectacle for devotees who participate in this religious festival. Lord Sri Malayappa Swami and his consorts are exquisitely adorned with ornaments and garlands during this Arjitha Seva.