Godavari Pushkaralu 2027: AP gears Up Preparations for 10 Crore Devotees

The Andhra Pradesh government has begun preparations for the Godavari Pushkaralu–2027, the grand river festival held once every 12 years. In this regard, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conducted a high-level review meeting for the first time to assess the arrangements. The mega religious event will be held for 12 days, from June 26 to July 7, 2027.

The Pushkaralu will be organised in the districts through which the Godavari flows Polavaram, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema and Kakinada. Prior to the review meeting, Vedic scholars offered blessings to the Chief Minister. Addressing the meeting, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu said it was his good fortune to get an opportunity to organise the Godavari Pushkaralu for the third time during his tenure as Chief Minister. He described the festival as a mega river congregation on par with the Kumbh Mela and directed officials to organise it in a manner that attracts global attention.

The government has drawn up plans to construct 139 additional bathing ghats, over and above the existing 234, taking the total to 373 ghats. Ghats will be developed along the riverbanks over a length of 9,918 metres at various locations. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure adequate infrastructure, sanitation, drinking water facilities, transportation and security so that devotees do not face any inconvenience.

Arrival of 10 crore devotees

The government estimates that around 10 crore devotees from across the country and abroad are likely to visit the State during the Pushkaralu. Accordingly, officials have been directed to prepare a comprehensive action plan covering traffic regulation, accommodation, medical services and emergency response.

Polavaram to be completed before Pushkaralu

The Chief Minister emphasised that the Polavaram project works should be completed before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu. He proposed developing Polavaram as a major tourist destination and constructing an iconic road connecting it to the national highway. He also suggested developing Rajamahendravaram as the hub of the Akhanda Godavari project. Mr. Chandrababu Naidu described Polavaram as a mega irrigation project that will not only provide irrigation to vast agricultural lands but also supply drinking water to lakhs of people.

Ministers Anam Ramnarayana Reddy, Anita, Narayana, Nimmala Ramanaidu, Vasanthasetti Subhash, Kandula Durgesh and BC Janardhan Reddy, along with Chief Secretary Vijayanand, DGP Harish Kumar Gupta and other senior officials, attended the review meeting. Officials stated that the government’s objective is to organise the Godavari Pushkaralu with devotees’ convenience at the core while showcasing the State’s prestige.