[2] Sri Venkteswara Sahasranamastotra refers to Brahma performing the festival, signified by a small, empty wooden chariot (brahmaratham) which moves ahead of the processions of the Venkateswara processional deity Malayappa.[2] The Brahmotsavam is held over nine days at the beginning of the Hindu calendar month of Āśvina, paralleling Navaratri.The evening before the first day, the rite of Ankurarpana (the sowing of seeds to signify fertility and abundance) is performed.The main first-day activity is Dwajarohana, the raising of the Garuda flag to signify the beginning of the festival.Religious activities during the festival include daily homas and processions on streets surrounding the temple.