Deepavali festivities at the Tirumala temple of Lord Venkateswara will take off on November 12

At the Tirumala temple of Lord Venkateswara, the "Deepavali" celebrations will commence on November 12 with the performance of the traditional ritual "Asthanam" between 7:00 and 9.00 a.m. All forms of arjitha sevas within the temple have been cancelled by the TTD due to the massive religious event.

The temple complex is illuminated with a magnificent glow of lamps during the Diwali – the festival of lights, creating a mesmerising atmosphere of peace. On the day of Diwali, thousands of lights are lit within and outside the temple premises as part of the "Maha Deepa Arathana," a spectacular ceremony in which Lord Venkateswara is offered special prayers. Since lights are said to ward off bad energy, they represent the triumph of good over evil.

The ruling lord is carried in a procession atop the Sri Malayappa Swamy Vahanam on the day of Diwali. The chants and sounds of the temple bells enchant the faithful as the procession lights up the town.