Hyderabad | September 14, 2025:
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to begin early preparations for the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu 2027, calling it the “South Indian Kumbh Mela.” He emphasized that the mega religious event must be conducted with grandeur and backed by permanent infrastructure.
During a high-level review at the Command Control Center, the CM instructed departments to draft long-term plans for riverbank development, pilgrim facilities, and temple modernization. The meeting was attended by Minister Konda Surekha, Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, and senior officials.
Focus on Temple Development Along Godavari
Revanth Reddy stressed the need to prioritize the development of major temples located along the 560-kilometer stretch of the Godavari river in Telangana. Authorities informed him that nearly 74 ghats will have to be established from Basara to Bhadrachalam, with heavy pilgrim footfall expected at key shrines such as Dharmapuri and Kaleshwaram.
He instructed that permanent bathing ghats and temple facilities be created so that future Pushkaralu events also benefit from these developments. “The Godavari Pushkaralu is not just a religious festival but also a cultural and tourism opportunity for Telangana,” he said.
Infrastructure for Lakhs of Devotees
Officials were told to ensure that lakhs of devotees performing holy dips face no inconvenience. Plans include *widened roads, parking facilities, drinking water supply, sanitation, accommodation, and crowd management systems. The CM said traffic congestion should be avoided even if over *two lakh devotees visit the ghats in a single day.
Drawing parallels with the Kumbh Mela, he advised engaging experienced consultancy firms to design projects, prepare reports, and create development models suited to local conditions.
Central Schemes and Special Package
The CM directed departments to utilize Central Government schemes such as Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission for Pushkaralu arrangements. He also asked officials to prepare a detailed proposal to seek a special package from the Union Government, citing the massive pilgrim inflow expected.
Coordination Among Departments
The Chief Minister made it clear that the Tourism, Irrigation, and Endowments Departments must work in coordination to ensure successful planning. He emphasized that the Godavari Pushkaralu is not just about rituals but also about boosting Telangana’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.
Background on Godavari Pushkaralu
The Godavari Pushkaralu is observed once every 12 years when Jupiter enters the zodiac sign Leo (Simha Rashi). In 2027, the festival will begin on July 23 and continue for 12 days. Millions of devotees from across India are expected to participate, taking holy dips in the Godavari and visiting nearby temples.