Brahmohtsav and Rathyatra Mohtsav of Indore

Brahmotsavam is an annual festival celebrated for Seven days in the months of June -July at the Indore Lord Venkateswara Chattribagh Temple which is been celebrated on eve foundation day of Indore Temple . The celebration attracts pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the nation .

The Brahmotsavam festival is one of the most important and auspicious functions in city .The Brahmotsava is performed over a seven -day period in the month of Hindu Calendar. On the evening prior to the start of the first day, the rite of "Ankurarpana" (sowing of the seeds to signify fertility, prosperity and abundance) is performed along with a festival for Sri Vishvaksena (the leader of Narayana)s retinue who removes obstacles and protects worship).On the first day, the main activity is the "Dhvajarohana" the hostting of the Garuda flag at the Dhvajastambham. This signifies the commencement of the Brahmotsava. It is believed that Garuda goes to Devalokam and invites the Devas to attend the function. During the seven days of the festival, the religious activities include daily havans and processions of the utsava murti on different vahanas, which are the chariots that can be seen in the Utsav Mandapam. Every evening, the utsava vigrahas are decorated with different alankarams. The concluding day is the is Rath Yatra (chariot Day ), which is celebrated in a grand way with thousands of people carrying into city area and return back by end of Day .. The celebration officially concludes with "Dhvajavarohanam,"the lowering of the Garuda flag. The priests pay respects to Gods and Sages with the chanting of Vedic mantras and see them off on their return to the Devaloka.

The Brahmotsavam celebration provides a unique opportunity for all devotees to participate in the festivities and utsavas and experience the "Vaikuntha Anubhava" (heavenly enjoyment and feeling) and receive the blessings of Sri Venkateswara. Every year, thousands of devotees witness the processions,celebrations during the annual Brahmotsavams of Lord Venkateswara at Indore Madhya Pradesh. Every day of Brahmotsavam will be a feast for the eyes of the devotees who gather there. On the first day the Garudadhwaja (flag with the emblem of a black garuda) is hosted near the Dhwajasthambham. A festive procession of Lord Venkateswara on the last Day Pedda Seshavahana proceeds around the four streets of the main city for Day until midnight.

Some interesting observations during brahmotsavas are: The reigning deity of the seven hills on different vahans, relegates the paap and blesses the bhakta based on his punya. The initial prayers offered at the Dwajarohan utsav and Garudotsav is to pray for an unscathed living with high moral values, while Garuda, requested by the Lord himself to stay in the indore, guards the skies from anything untoward coming by.