Procession of Special Umbrellas to Tirupati from Chennai

If I say the procession of Chennai city, most of you would get reminded about the 63 Nayanmars procession of the Mylapore festival. But this post from me is not about that festival. Another procession has been conducted regularly every year in Chennai for the past two centuries. How many of you have heard about that? Let me discuss this procession in this post.

Srivari Brahmotsavam is the most important annual festival celebrated in the internationally famous Tirumala Tirupati temple. This festival lasts nine days during the Ashvin month of the Hindu calendar, which falls either in September or October. The Utsava images of Venkateshwara and his consorts are taken on different Vahanas daily during this event. Thousand of people nationwide gather to participate in this grand festival of Tirupati Balaji.

From Tamil Nadu, only two holy things are being sent to Tirupati Balaji every year. One is the garland from Srivilliputhur, and the other is the holy umbrellas from Chennai.

Two small and nine big-sized special umbrellas are made annually in Kanchipuram and Chennai. Later, they are assembled in Chennai. During the Tirupati Brahmotsava time, all eleven decorated umbrellas are sent to Tirupati. The procession starts at Chenna Keshava temple in Sowcarpet, Chennai, with Poojas. Then, these holy umbrellas' procession passes through various areas of North Chennai and finally reaches Tirupati Devasthanam. 

This procession is believed to have started sometime in the 19th century CE. For the past few years, the holy umbrellas have also accompanied the idols of 10 Avatars and 12 Alwars. In addition, this procession exhibits a piece of silk for Lord Venkateshwar in a glass case. Hundreds of people participate in this grand procession every year. 

Happy travelling.