Over two lakh pilgrims from all over the country witnessed the grandeur of the processional deity Lord Sri Malayapppa Swamy in different guises on the seven sacred vehicles as a part of the Surya Jayanthi Mahotsavam-‘Ratha Sapthami’ festival held at Tirumala on Monday.

The festival is being observed on the holy hills annually for the last several centuries where the Lord starting from Dawn to Dusk bless the pilgrims with his voluminous charm.

The festival commenced with the procession of ‘Surya Prabha Vahana’ and ended with ‘Chandra Prabha Vahana’ with Chinna Sesha, Garuda, Hanuman, Kalpavriksha and Sarvabhupala Vahanas in between. Sudarshana Chakra Snanam was also performed by 2pm.

All the galleries in the four mada streets are full to their capacities with pilgrim influx. The annual festival of Rathasapthami appeared like mini brahmotsavams with the heavy pilgrim crowd. The floral decorations added special attraction to the festival.

TTD Board chief Sri Kanumuru Bapiraju, EO Sri LV Subramanyam, board member Sri Muthyam Reddy, MP Sri Chinta Mohan, JEOs Sri KS Srinivasa Raju, Sri P Venkatrami Reddy, CVSO Sri MK Singh and other officers were also present.