Srivari Brahmotsavam

Sri Venkateswara Swami vari Brahmotsavam or Srivari Brahmotsavam is the most significant annual fête celebrated at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala-Tirupati, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The feast lasts for one month during the Hindu calendar month of Āśvina, which falls between the Gregorian calendar months of September and October.
The "Utsava-murti" (processional deity) of the presiding deity, Venkateswara, and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi are taken on a procession on several "vahanams" on the streets surrounding the temple. The celebration attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over India and around the world. A "Brahmotsavam" is a cleansing ceremony in honor of Lord Brahma, and the ceremony at Tirumala is the largest.
Etymology.
The word "Brahmotsavam" is a combination of two Sanskrit words—"Brahma" and "utsavam" (festival)—and Brahma reportedly conducted the first festival. "Brahma" also means "grand" or "large". Srivari Brahmotsavam is also known as "Venkateswara Salakatla Brahmotsavams" and "Venkateswara Navaratri Brahmotsavams".
Two festivals.
When there is an extra month in the lunar calendar, two Brahmotsavam are held: Salakatla and Navarathri. Both festivals were held in 2015 and 2018.
In Salakatla Brahmotsavam, Rathotsavam (Big Chariot) is held on the morning of the eighth day; during Navratri Brahmotsavam, Golden Chariot (Swarna Rathotsavam) is held that morning of the eighth day. In Salakatla Brahmotsavam, there is a flag-lowering (Dwajaavarohanam) on the evening of the ninth day.
History and legend.
According to the legend of Tirumala, Brahma descends to earth to conduct the festival. "Sri Venkteswara Sahasranamastotra" refers to Brahma performing the festival, signified by a small, empty wooden chariot ("brahmaratham") which moves ahead of the processions of the Venkateswara processional deity Malayappa.
The first reference to festivals in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple was in 966 CE, when the Pallava queen Samavai endowed land and ordered its revenue to celebrate festivals in the temple. Until 1582, Brahmotsavams were held as often as 12 times a year.
Celebrations.
The Brahmotsavam is held over nine days at the beginning of the Hindu calendar month of Āśvina, paralleling Navaratri. The evening before the first day, the rite of Ankurarpana (the sowing of seeds to signify fertility and abundance) is performed. The main first-day activity is Dwajarohana, the raising of the Garuda flag to signify the beginning of the festival. Religious activities during the festival include daily homas and processions on streets surrounding the temple. The final day commemorates Venkateswara's birth star. The Sudarshana Chakra is bathed in the temple tank with the devotees. The Chakra is then placed on a high platform, and the devotees walk under it and are blessed with its dripping water. The festival ends with Dhvajavarohanam, the lowering of the Garuda flag.