Sacred umbrellas transported to Tirupati under heavy security for temple festival

Nine of the sacred umbrellas have been escorted to the Tirumala temple complex in Andhra Pradesh for Saturday's Garuda Seva ceremony, while two additional pieces have been directed to the Padmavati temple in Tirupati's Tiruchanur locality. The transportation of these ornamental religious items, revered in Hindu temple traditions, has proceeded under heightened security protocols.

The enhanced protective measures reflect lessons learned from a significant security incident in 2013, when authorities foiled a plot to plant explosives within the umbrellas at Puttur. That thwarted attempt prompted lasting changes to security procedures governing the movement of sacred objects during major temple festivals.

The Tirumala Brahmotsavams, one of South India's most significant Hindu celebrations, attracts thousands of devotees annually. The Garuda Seva, featuring the deity's procession on a golden eagle-shaped vehicle, represents a centerpiece event of the nine-day festival. The careful coordination of the umbrella transport reflects the temple administration's commitment to maintaining both religious traditions and public safety during the celebrations.