Under tight security, ‘divine umbrellas’ from Chennai reach Tirupati for Tirumala Brahmotsavams
Nine of the 11 ‘divine umbrellas’ go up to Tirumala for Saturday’s Garuda Seva and two to the Padmavati temple at Tiruchanur; security has been tight since a 2013 plot to plant bombs in them was foiled at Puttur
On Thursday, September 17, 2026, 11 silk divine umbrellas used in Tirumala temple processions arrived in Tirupati from Chennai, following a centuries-old tradition. The Hindu Dharmartha Samithi Trust organized the procession, known as "Tirupati Thirukkudai Utsavam," and offered the milk-white umbrellas to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Tamil Nadu's connection to Tirumala Brahmotsavams extends beyond the umbrellas, as the city also gifts a garland to Goddess Andal's temple in Srivilliputtur, which is carried to Tirumala to adorn Lord Malayappa Swamy. Before reaching Tirupati, the umbrellas were blessed at Sri Chennakesava Perumal temple in Chennai's Pookkadai area.
The procession, flagged off by Raghuvarendra Theertha Swami of Sri Bhimanakatte Math, passed through several Chennai neighborhoods before entering Tirupati district. Thousands of devotees lined the streets to offer "harati" during the procession. Upon reaching Tiruchanur, the umbrellas were handed over to Sri Padmavati Ammavari temple for use during the November "Kartheeka Brahmotsavams."
The remaining nine umbrellas were presented to TTD for the current Brahmotsavams. Security for the procession has been stringent since 2013 when it was targeted by the extremist group Al Umma. The umbrellas are now screened at Alipiri before being transported to Tirumala, a practice that replaced carrying them up the Alipiri footpath due to security risks and inconvenience to other devotees.
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