On October 7, Brahmotsavam was started with the ritual of Dhwajarohanam, where the Garuda Dhwaja of the Lord is hoisted, marking Garuda's travel to Devaloka to invite Gods of heaven to come and attend the festivities.
Controversy started after Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary L V Subramanyam recently announced that non-Hindu employees working in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the Sri Venkateswara temple atop Tirumala hill, one of the richest Hindu temples, will be sacked.