Brahmotsavam

Brahmotsavam is a major annual festival observed in many Vaishnavite temples in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and neighboring regions. The term Brahmotsavam translates roughly as "Brahma's festival" and the occasion is regarded as a celestial celebration during which the temple deities are taken out in procession and given special worship. The festival is usually held over several days, commonly nine, culminating in a grand procession and festal rites. The exact schedule and number of days vary by temple, but core elements include elaborate decoration of the deity, priests performing ritual prayers, and public processions on ceremonial vehicles.

During Brahmotsavam, the main deity is carried out of the sanctum on a succession of ceremonial vehicles, such as Garuda, elephants, horses, and other sacred mounts. Each day may feature a different vehicle or ritual homage, with alankara, homams, and darshan ceremonies conducted by temple priests. A flag-hoisting ceremony called Dwajarohanam often marks the opening of the festival, and many temples hold a grand chariot festival (Rathotsavam) to conclude the celebrations.

Significance centers on religious devotion and temple renewal: it is believed to commemorate the deity’s annual celestial journey, reaffirm the deity’s blessings toward devotees, and invite auspiciousness for the community. While Brahmotsavam is most closely associated with Sri Vaishnava temples, similar observances occur in many Vishnu temples across the region, each temple incorporating local customs into the nine-day celebration.