Andhra Pradesh, Telangana plan joint arrangements for Godavari Pushkarams

With Andhra Pradesh and Telangana moving towards a coordinated planning for the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, the two Telugu States have initiated high-level consultations to ensure seamless arrangements for crores of devotees expected to take the holy dip in the river.

The issue of coordination came up on Friday when Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka visited the Andhra Pradesh Assembly to invite leaders to his son’s wedding. Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy held discussions with him regarding joint arrangements for the event.

Speaking to The Hindu in the Assembly lobbies at Amaravati, Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy said Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu had suggested that the two States conduct the Pushkarams in close coordination, as the auspicious dates in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana fall during the same period. He said such coordination would help facilitate smooth movement, safety and better amenities for devotees visiting either side of the river.

GoM reviews works

Earlier, on Thursday, a Group of Ministers (GoM) comprising Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy, Ponguru Narayana, Nimmala Ramanaidu, Kandula Durgesh, B.C. Janardhan Reddy, Satya Kumar Yadav, Gottipati Ravi Kumar and Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy met at the Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Endowments Minister to review preparations.

According to the GoM, the government has resolved to organise the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams on the lines of the Maha Kumbh Mela, ensuring comprehensive inter-departmental coordination. The festival will be held from June 26 to July 7, 2027, across six districts in Andhra Pradesh.

373 bathing ghats

The GoM decided to establish 373 bathing ghats covering 4,516 metres along the river stretch, including major facilities in East Godavari (102), Konaseema (175), West Godavari (40), Eluru (36), Kakinada (5) and Polavaram (11). Gundala in Polavaram district will mark the first Pushkar ghat in the State, while Antarvedi and Balusutippa in Konaseema district will be among the last ghats.

Officials estimate that more than 10 crore devotees may attend the festival, surpassing previous records. Nearly one crore pilgrims are expected on peak days, including the opening day and the new moon day, while about 2.25 crore may take the holy dip on the most auspicious bathing day.

Renovation of temples

Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy said infrastructure works, renovation of 391 temples, major repairs to 43 temples, improvement and widening of roads, sanitation, drinking water supply, traffic management and enhanced facilities for women devotees would be prioritised. Tent cities will be set up near Rajamahendravaram at Bridgelanka and Pichukalanka to supplement the existing 4,800 rooms in the region.

An allocation of ₹60 crore has been made in the budget for preliminary arrangements. Joint Collectors of the six districts will act as nodal officers, and in-charge Ministers will conduct periodic reviews. Officials have been directed to prepare comprehensive reports ahead of a review meeting with the Chief Minister.