Andal Neerattu Utsavam is a unique festival dedicated to
Goddess Andal, or Goda Devi, in Dhanurmasam at the famous Tirupati Balaji Temple.
The festival begins seven days before the Bhogi festival in Dhanurmasam. In
2024, Andal Neerattu Utsavam begins on January 7, 2024.
On all days during the period (starting from January 7), Andal
is performed special pujas in the morning at the Sri Govindarajaswami Temple.
After the puja, Andal is taken out on a palanquin procession from Sri
Govindarajaswami Temple. She moves through the mada streets and settles down at
the Neeratta mandapam at Ramachandra Teertham.
At the Neeratta Mandapam, Abhishekam, Nivedanam, Saattumora
and Asthanam are conducted as per customs to Godadevi. She remains there till
evening. Later the deity is being adorned with flowers and carried back in a
palanquin to Sri Govindarajaswami temple.
The Neerattu Utsavam is being performed for seven days.
On the eighth day i.e. on the Bhogi day, Andal along with Lord
Krishna, ascends the Bhogi palanquin in the evening moves round through mada
streets and reaches the Andal sannidhi in the Sri Govindarajaswami temple. This day Godadevi marries Lord Krishna at the Sri Govindarajaswami Temple and
Utsavams are celebrated in a grand manner.