Tirumala Float Festival 2026: Starts 26 Feb, Tickets Sold Out—Timings & Tips
Tirumala Float Festival 2026 begins 26 Feb; TTD says seva tickets are completed. See timings, viewing tips, stay options, and what to do if you didn’t get tickets.
- Official update: TTD confirms Tirumala Float Festival (periodical seva) starts on 26-02-2026; seva tickets are completed (sold out).
- Pattern: Traditionally runs five evenings around Phalguna Purnima at Swami Pushkarini; exact daily roster will be in TTD’s detailed schedule.
- If you don’t have tickets: You can still watch from public viewing ghats—arrive early and follow barricades/volunteers.
- Plan: Book rooms in Tirumala/Tirupati, reach Pushkarini by 6:00–6:15 PM for good seating.
Tirumala Float Festival—also known as Srivari Teppotsavam—is confirmed by TTD to commence on 26 February 2026, and seva tickets are already completed as per the attached update. Don’t worry if you missed tickets: most devotees enjoy the divine spectacle from the public ghats ringing Swami Pushkarini.
What’s new (2026): start date & ticket status
TTD’s notice explicitly points to 26-02-2026 as the start. It also states that seva tickets have been completed, which means the paid Arjitha Seva quota for seating/participation is full. This does not stop general devotees from witnessing the festival from designated public areas.
Source image (TTD update): /mnt/data/b5141366-3056-4ecc-928e-2210f1e716f6.png
Expected flow & timings (based on tradition)
- Evenings at Swami Pushkarini (typically around 7:00–8:00 PM).
- Five-night pattern culminating near Phalguna Purnima.
- Deity sequence usually features Sri Rama Parivaram, Sri Krishna with consorts, and Sri Malayappa Swamy with Sridevi & Bhudevi on successive days.
- Lamps and chants reflect across the water; movement is controlled with one-way barricades.
Where to watch without tickets (best zones)
- Central Ghats facing the mandapam: direct line of sight to the float.
- Corner steps near the entrances: good for photography with temple backdrops.
- Elder-friendly zones: ask volunteers for seated steps and ramp access; arrive early.
Local Tip: Front rows start filling from 6:00 PM—carry a thin sitting mat, water, and a shawl (breeze over the tank can feel cool).
Crowd forecast & movement plan (🟢🟡🔴)
- Opening night (26 Feb): 🔴 High curiosity.
- Mid-week evenings: 🟡–🔴 depending on auspicious days.
- Purnima finale: 🔴 Peak—expect heavier queues at approach lanes.
Exit: Wait 15–25 minutes after the final aarti for a smoother dispersal; follow volunteers to outer loops.
Travel & stay
- Rooms on hill: Book TTD accommodation in advance; watch the check-in slot (00:00–12:00 / 12:01–23:59).
- Stay in Tirupati: If hill rooms are full, stay at foothills and ride up by bus/jeep before 5:30 PM to clear security and reach ghats on time.
- Food: Annaprasadam near VQC/PAC serves satvik meals—ideal before/after the event.
If you hoped for tickets—what are your options now?
- Keep an eye on official cancellations/re-releases (rare but possible).
- Consider attending on a weekday or early-night to avoid the peak crush.
- Prioritise viewing ghats rather than chasing unofficial “ticket” claims—avoid fraud.
Safety & etiquette
- Follow no-flash rules; respect priest/volunteer instructions.
- Keep children close; decide a meeting point in case the group splits.
- Use garbage bins; no feeding the tank or stepping into restricted zones.
Know Before You Go — mobile checklist
- Government ID, phone power bank
- Mat/shawl, refillable bottle
- Light snacks for kids
- Screenshot of room/transport bookings
- Emergency contact card in your wallet
With 26 February 2026 confirmed and tickets sold out, the best plan is simple: arrive early, pick a public ghat with a clear view of Swami Pushkarini, and let the chants and lights of the Tirumala Float Festival wash over you. Have a blessed darshan!
- Update received: 24 Nov 2025, 10:00 IST (from TTD site banner/notice screenshot).
- Festival start: 26 Feb 2026 — countdown: ~94 days.
- Change Log: v1.1 — Added TTD confirmation of start date and ticket sell-out; clarified public viewing guidance.
