Tirumala Darshan Rules During Brahmotsavam and Vaikuntha Ekadasi
On the biggest festival days, TTD limits paid and privileged darshans to manage the crowd, and for Vaikuntha Ekadasi it issues tokens through an online lucky dip. This guide summarises what changed in the most recent festival periods so you can plan a Tirumala visit.
Information guide for pilgrims. We are a taxi service and we do not provide or arrange darshan, sevas, rooms, tickets or donations. Please book only on the official TTD websites, and confirm details there. Last checked October 2026.
- Free darshanSarva darshan stays free
- Rs 300 Special EntrySuspended on peak days; not available on Vaikuntha Ekadasi in 2025-26
- Vaikuntha tokensOnline e-DIP lucky dip; offline tokens were scrapped
- Brahmotsavam 202615 to 23 September and 12 to 20 October (Adhika masa)
- Garuda Seva 202619 September and 16 October
- Heaviest daysGaruda Seva and Vaikuntha Ekadasi; waits of about 24 hours reported in September 2026
- Official sitetirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in
Why rules change on festival days
On major festival days, TTD restricts privileged and paid darshans so the temple can handle very large crowds. Rules differ from one festival to the next and are announced shortly beforehand, so treat the details below as what happened recently, not as a guarantee.
Vaikuntha Ekadasi 2025-26
For the Vaikuntha Ekadasi period from 30 December to 8 January, pilgrims registered for an electronic lucky dip (e-DIP) between 27 November and 1 December, and results were announced on 2 December. Reported allotments were 70,000 tokens for Ekadasi, 75,000 for Dwadasi and 68,000 for Trayodasi.
Offline tokens were scrapped after the January 2025 stampede, so there were no counters for tokens. Free sarva darshan was allowed from 2 to 8 January. Local residents had a separate quota of about 5,000 daily online from 6 January.
Peak-day darshan was restricted to token or e-DIP holders. The Rs 300 Special Entry ticket was not available on Ekadasi.
Vaikuntha Ekadasi 2026
Ekadasi is expected on 20 December 2026 and Dwadasi on 21 December, with a ten-day window to about 29 December. As of 9 October, TTD had not announced the system for this year, so check the official site closer to the date.
Brahmotsavam 2026
Because of Adhika masa, Brahmotsavam 2026 is held twice: 15 to 23 September and 12 to 20 October. Garuda Seva fell on 19 September and 16 October.
During these days VIP break darshan was suspended. Special darshans for the elderly, disabled, parents with infants, NRIs and donors were also suspended. Protocol dignitaries were the exception for VIP darshan.
Ratha Saptami
On Ratha Saptami, 25 January 2026, all arjitha sevas and special and VIP darshans were cancelled. Next-day sarva darshan tokens were not issued from 23 to 25 January and resumed on 26 January.
Crowds, best time and travel
Garuda Seva and Vaikuntha Ekadasi are the heaviest days, and waits of about 24 hours were reported in September 2026. The later days of the Vaikuntha window are quieter.
Two-wheelers were banned on the Tirumala ghat roads from 9 PM on 18 September to 6 AM on 20 September 2026. Entry points around the temple were largely closed during the 16 October Garuda Seva. Rules for four-wheelers and parking on the Tirupati side were not found, so check before you travel.
Please confirm before you travel
Reports differ on these points, and TTD can change rules at short notice.
- The Ratha Saptami date is reported as 25 January 2026 by most sources, but one source says 10 February 2026.
- Vaikuntha Ekadasi 2026 rules had not been announced as of 9 October.
- Vehicle restrictions beyond the two-wheeler ban were not found.
- Four-wheeler rules and Tirupati-side parking on festival days were not found.
- Token allotment numbers for Vaikuntha 2025-26 are reported figures.
Getting there from Tirupati by taxi
Tirumala. Tirumala is about 22 km from Tirupati. On festival days, traffic control and entry closures can lengthen the trip, so start early and keep extra time. Ask the driver to confirm road restrictions on the day.
Day rent for a Tirupati to Tirumala trip. Diesel, driver charge and toll are charged extra. See the local taxi page for other trips.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Rs 300 ticket on Vaikuntha Ekadasi?
Not in 2025-26. The Rs 300 Special Entry was suspended on the peak days.
Are Vaikuntha tokens sold at counters?
No offline tokens were issued in 2025-26. Tokens were allotted through the online e-DIP.
Is VIP break darshan available on Brahmotsavam days?
It was suspended, except for protocol dignitaries.
Is free sarva darshan still available?
Yes, sarva darshan is free, though waits can be very long on Garuda Seva and Ekadasi.
When is Vaikuntha Ekadasi in 2026?
Expected on 20 December 2026, with Dwadasi on 21 December. The token system had not been announced as of 9 October.
Are two-wheelers allowed on the ghat road during Brahmotsavam?
They were banned from 9 PM on 18 September to 6 AM on 20 September 2026. Check the latest orders for other dates.