Overview
- Overnight queues turned tense with jostling and stampede-like pressure, leading the Collector and SP to intervene on-site and pace admissions.
- Security operations spanned roughly 2,500 police across 20 sectors with 16 DSPs, 50 circle inspectors and 170 sub-inspectors, plus 15 drones and extensive CCTV coverage.
- Temple authorities had projected attendance above 2.6 lakh, while VIP rituals, including pattuvastrams and Ksheerabhisekham, were completed shortly after midnight.
- Charities supported pilgrims with food, water and mobility aid, including SSR Charitable Trust serving nearly 5,000 meals and the Red Cross arranging transport for elderly and disabled devotees.
- Parallel observances drew heavy turnouts at Tirumala and Nellore, with daylong vahana processions and, in Tirumala, traffic controls that forced long walks and caused gridlock.