Tirumala January 27, 2014: Elaborate arrangements are being made for the grand conduct of the annual Rathasapthami festival slated on February 6.

Immense significance is attached to the festival which is also known as ‘Surya Jayanthi’ as the Lord will be brought out of the temple in a grand procession on as many as seven different vahanams (Celestial carriers) in a single day. The day which shall commence with ‘Surya prabha’ vahanam even before the break of dawn concludes with ‘Chandraprabhavahanam’ in the night.

Meanwhile, the TirumalaTirupatiDevasthanam (TTD) management is leaving no stone unturned in meeting the requirements of the visiting pilgrims which unlike during the previous years is expected to be at its peak. Provisions for setting up drinking water taps and erection of pandals are being identified as thousands of devotees prefer remaining settled on the granite steps all along the mada streets witnessing the divine processions which shall be conducted at regular intervals.

Expert swimmers have been roped-in to meet any exigencies during ‘Chakrasnanam’ that shall be organised the same afternoon.