The Vontimitta Brahmotsavam dates shift every year with the lunar calendar. So pinning them down early makes planning your pilgrimage far easier. Naturally, the festival always centres on Sri Rama Navami at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Vontimitta, Kadapa district.
Yet the grand Sita Rama Kalyanam often falls a few days after Rama Navami itself. Because of that, this timing trips up many first-time visitors. Overall, this guide gives you the verified schedule pattern and the latest confirmed dates. Moreover, you will find everything you need to plan the trip with confidence.
Sri Vyasa Pooja is an independent pilgrim guide. To be clear, we are not the official website of the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple. We are not affiliated with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) either.
Because of that, we take no bookings, donations, or payments. Therefore, please use the official TTD portal linked below for schedules and darshan.
Vontimitta Brahmotsavam Dates at a Glance
- Festival: Sri Ramanavami Brahmotsavams at Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, Vontimitta.
- When: Nine to eleven days around Sri Rama Navami, in the Chaitra month (March or April).
- 2026 reference: March 26 to April 5, 2026, with the Kalyanam on April 1.
- Next Rama Navami: Thursday, April 15, 2027.
- Headline event: Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam, usually a few days after Rama Navami day.
- Managed by: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD); entry is free for all devotees.
How the Vontimitta Brahmotsavam Dates Are Fixed Each Year
The Vontimitta Brahmotsavam dates are never fixed to the English calendar. Instead, they follow Chaitra Shukla Navami, the ninth day of the bright fortnight in the Telugu month of Chaitra. Because this tithi drifts each year, the festival can land anywhere from late March to mid-April.
Sri Rama Navami marks the birth of Lord Rama, and the Brahmotsavams follow it. Meanwhile, TTD announces the exact schedule roughly two to three weeks before the festival. So lock your travel only after the official dates appear. Finally, check the TTD portal or a trusted panchang such as Drik Panchang.
Vontimitta Brahmotsavam Dates and Day-by-Day Schedule
The most reliable way to read the Vontimitta Brahmotsavam dates is through a recent year’s schedule. For that reason, the 2026 calendar below comes from the official TTD announcement. Although the exact dates change annually, the sequence of rituals stays the same. Thus, this is a dependable template for any year.
| Date (2026) | Key Rituals and Vahana Seva |
|---|---|
| March 24 | Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam (temple cleansing) |
| March 26 | Ankurarpanam (formal commencement) |
| March 27 (Rama Navami) | Dwajarohanam, Ramanavami Asthanam, Sesha Vahanam |
| March 28 | Venugana Alankaram, Hamsa Vahanam |
| March 29 | Vatapatrasayi Alankaram, Simha Vahanam |
| March 30 | Navaneeta Krishna Alankaram, Hanumantha Vahanam |
| March 31 | Mohini Alankaram, Garuda Seva |
| April 1 | Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam (6:30–8:30 PM), Gaja Vahanam |
| April 2 | Rathotsavam (chariot festival) |
| April 3 | Kaliyamardhana, Aswa Vahanam |
| April 4 | Chakra Snanam, Dhwajavarohanam |
| April 5 | Pushpayagam (6:00–9:00 PM) |
To restate the anchor points in plain terms: in 2026 the festival ran from March 26 to April 5. Notably, the Dwajarohanam and Rama Navami fell on March 27, while the Kalyanam took place on April 1. After that, the Garuda Seva and Rathotsavam draw the biggest daytime crowds.
Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam: Why It Falls After Rama Navami
Many pilgrims assume the celestial wedding happens on Rama Navami day. However, at Vontimitta that is usually not the case. For example, in 2026 Rama Navami fell on March 27. Yet priests performed the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam on April 1, five days later.
This is a distinctive Vontimitta custom, and it differs from Bhadrachalam, where priests hold the Kalyanam on Rama Navami itself. Indeed, the Vontimitta wedding is the state-sponsored highlight. As a result, the Andhra Pradesh government presents pattu vastralu (silk robes) to the deities. Because of this gap, always check the specific Kalyanam date for your year rather than assuming it matches Rama Navami.
Vontimitta Brahmotsavam Dates for 2027 and Beyond
For 2027, the Vontimitta Brahmotsavam dates will centre on Sri Rama Navami, which falls on Thursday, April 15, 2027. Still, TTD had not published the full 2027 schedule at the time of writing. In fact, the board releases it only a few weeks before the festival.
Based on the recurring pattern, the Brahmotsavams begin with Ankurarpanam a day before Rama Navami. Then Dwajarohanam follows on Rama Navami day.
After that, the Kalyanam usually lands a few days later, around the third week of April 2027. For the confirmed 2027 calendar, watch the official TTD news channel closer to the date. In addition, you can compare it with our note on Bhadrachalam Ramanavami Brahmotsavam dates for planning across both temples.
Daily Vahana Seva Timings During the Festival
Throughout the Brahmotsavams, priests carry the utsava idols of Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in procession. Also, they use a different vahana each day. In addition, TTD conducts these vahana sevas twice daily.
Specifically, the morning session runs from about 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM. Then the evening session runs from about 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The Kalyanam evening is the exception, since the wedding rituals run from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. If you can attend only one evening, choose the Kalyanam. Still, the Garuda Seva morning is a close second for sheer devotional energy.
Darshan Timings and Entry During the Brahmotsavam
On normal days, the temple typically opens early in the morning and closes in the evening, with a midday break. As a result, devotees usually get darshan in two sessions. These run roughly 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Because timings can change on festival and eclipse days, confirm them on the official portal before you travel.
During the Brahmotsavams, the temple stays busy through the vahana seva hours, while queues lengthen sharply on Kalyanam day. Meanwhile, entry to the temple is free for all devotees. However, there is no official online booking portal for general Vontimitta darshan. So plan to join the queue in person and arrive early.
How to Reach Vontimitta for the Brahmotsavam
Vontimitta sits about 25 km from Kadapa city, near Rajampet, in the YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. Also, the village is well connected by road, while TTD runs extra transport during the festival. Below are the main options.
| Mode | Nearest Point and Distance |
|---|---|
| Train | Rajampet (~15 km); Kadapa (~25 km) |
| Air | Kadapa Airport (~30 km); Tirupati Airport (~90 km) |
| Road | APSRTC buses from Kadapa, Rajampet and Tirupati |
Kadapa station links to Tirupati, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. So most pilgrims route through there. Because private taxis and buses fill fast during the festival, book your onward transport a day ahead.
Where to Stay Near Vontimitta
Vontimitta is a small village, so most visitors stay in Kadapa or Rajampet and travel in for the day. Naturally, budget lodges and mid-range hotels are the norm rather than luxury stays. For example, budget rooms often start in the low hundreds of rupees. Meanwhile, comfortable mid-range hotels commonly run into a few thousand rupees a night.
Treat these as rough ranges only, since festival demand pushes prices up. For any TTD-run accommodation or seva, use the official TTD website rather than third-party agents. Besides, we do not take bookings and cannot reserve rooms on your behalf.
Best Time to Visit and a Safety Note
February to April is the pleasant window, and the Brahmotsavams fall right at the end of it. Even so, late March and April in Rayalaseema can turn hot, especially by midday. Because processions involve long standing hours in the open, plan for the heat.
Also, carry water, wear light cotton clothing, and take breaks in the shade. In particular, elderly pilgrims, pregnant women, and anyone with a health condition should avoid the midday peak. This is general comfort guidance, not medical advice. So consult a doctor before a strenuous temple day if you have concerns.
The History Behind the Vontimitta Brahmotsavam Dates
The Vontimitta Brahmotsavam dates carry deep heritage, because this temple is one of the oldest Rama shrines in Andhra Pradesh. Specifically, the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple dates to the Vijayanagara era of the 16th century. Locals also call it Dakshina Ayodhya. Naturally, its scale and carvings reflect classic Dravidian temple architecture.
A rare feature sets the shrine apart. Notably, artisans carved the idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana from a single rock, known as ekasila vigraham. Lord Anjaneya is not part of this ekasila, so a separate Anjaneya shrine stands nearby. Besides, the temple honours the great Telugu poet Bammera Pothana with a Jayanti during the festival.
After the 2014 bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, Bhadrachalam fell within Telangana. Since then, Vontimitta has served as the official venue for Andhra Pradesh’s state-sponsored Sita Rama Kalyanam. Consequently, that status draws dignitaries and lakhs of devotees to the event.
Insider Tips Most Guides Miss
- Target the Kalyanam evening. Because it is the single most crowded slot, reach the temple by afternoon to secure a spot.
- Do not bank on Rama Navami day for the wedding. Instead, the Kalyanam usually falls a few days later, as it did in 2026.
- Route through Kadapa, since rail and bus links there beat trying to reach Vontimitta directly.
- Beware fake booking sites. Because general darshan has no official online ticket, ignore any site charging a “darshan fee.”
- Arrive early on procession mornings, when Garuda Seva and Rathotsavam fill the courtyard before the seva begins.
Vontimitta vs Bhadrachalam: Which Kalyanam to Attend
Both temples celebrate Sri Rama Navami grandly, yet they suit different plans. For instance, Bhadrachalam holds its Kalyanam on Rama Navami day in Telangana. Meanwhile, Vontimitta holds the Andhra Pradesh state Kalyanam a few days later, which lets devotees attend both in the same season.
If you live in Rayalaseema or coastal Andhra, Vontimitta is the natural choice. For a deeper look at the sister celebration, see our guide to Bhadrachalam Rama Navami sevas and booking. In addition, you can read about the temple’s routine Vontimitta darshan and Kalyanam timings for non-festival visits.
The Bottom Line
The Vontimitta Brahmotsavam dates always orbit Sri Rama Navami, so start with that date and work outward. For example, in 2026 the festival ran March 26 to April 5, with the Kalyanam on April 1. Meanwhile, for 2027 Rama Navami is April 15, and the full schedule will follow closer to the date.
Finally, confirm the calendar on the official TTD portal. Then plan your travel through Kadapa, and give the Kalyanam evening top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Vontimitta Brahmotsavam dates for 2027?
The 2027 festival will centre on Sri Rama Navami, which falls on Thursday, April 15, 2027. Since TTD releases the full schedule a few weeks before the festival, confirm it on the official portal closer to the date.
On which day is the Sita Rama Kalyanam held at Vontimitta?
At Vontimitta, the Kalyanam usually falls a few days after Rama Navami, not on the day itself. For example, in 2026 priests performed it on April 1, while Rama Navami fell on March 27. So always check the specific date for your year.
How long does the Vontimitta Brahmotsavam last?
It typically runs nine to eleven days. For instance, in 2026 the celebrations began with Ankurarpanam on March 26. Then they concluded with Pushpayagam on April 5, spanning eleven days with the pre-festival rituals.
Is there an entry fee or online booking for Vontimitta darshan?
Entry is free for all devotees, and there is no official online booking for general darshan. Therefore, plan to collect your place in the queue in person. Also, ignore any third-party site that charges a darshan or booking fee.
Who manages the Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple?
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administers the temple and conducts the annual Brahmotsavams. Therefore, for schedules, sevas and accommodation, use the official TTD website rather than private agents.
How do I reach Vontimitta for the festival?
The nearest railway stations are Rajampet (about 15 km) and Kadapa (about 25 km). Similarly, Kadapa Airport is about 30 km away, while Tirupati Airport is about 90 km. In addition, APSRTC runs buses from Kadapa, Rajampet and Tirupati.
Why is Vontimitta called Dakshina Ayodhya?
Vontimitta is one of the most revered Rama temples in South India. As a result, it earned the title Dakshina Ayodhya, the Ayodhya of the South. Besides, the single-rock idols and Vijayanagara-era heritage add to its significance.
Should I attend Vontimitta or Bhadrachalam for Rama Navami?
Bhadrachalam holds its Kalyanam on Rama Navami day in Telangana, while Vontimitta holds the Andhra Pradesh state Kalyanam a few days later. So devotees in Rayalaseema and Andhra usually prefer Vontimitta, since the gap in dates lets some attend both.
