The annual Brahmotsavams festival at the Lakshmi Venkateswara Swamy temple in Devunikadapa began with a vibrant start on Monday. The main ritual, called ‘Dhwajarohanam’, or flag hoisting, took place between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The sacred flag, known as ‘Garuda Dhwajam’, carries an image of Garuda, Lord Venkateswara’s celestial vehicle. Before hoisting, the flag was carried in a parade around the temple streets. According to temple legends, devotee Krishnacharya built the temple and consecrated the idol of Venkateswara. The temple is locally called ‘Hanuman Kshetra’ because an idol of Anjaneya (Hanuman) is placed behind the main deity. Devunikadapa is famously called ‘Devuni Tholi Gadapa’ or the 'first threshold' to Tirumala for northern pilgrims. Saint poet Tallakapa Annamacharya is said to have served the deity and referred to it as ‘Kadapa Rayudu’ in his works. TTD officials, including Deputy Executive Officer K. Prashanti and Superintendent Hanumanthayya, participated in the flag hoisting. As part of the festival, cultural and devotional programs like ‘Kolatam’ (traditional dance), ‘Harikatha’ (spiritual storytelling), and ‘Bhajans’ will be held daily before the ‘Vahana Sevas’. These activities are organized by the TTD’s Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad to enrich the celebrations.