Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 to Be a Celebration of Culture and Spirituality

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to organize the Godavari Pushkaralu-2027 on a grand scale, transforming the spiritual event into a showcase of Andhra Pradesh’s rich cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage.

During a high-level review meeting with the Ministers’ Committee and senior officials at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister emphasized that the Pushkaralu should serve not only as a major religious congregation but also as a catalyst for promoting spiritual tourism and boosting economic activity across the Godavari region.

Stressing the need for coordinated efforts, Chandrababu Naidu instructed all departments to work in close collaboration to ensure seamless arrangements for the mega event. He also reviewed the Akhanda Godavari Development Project and reiterated that the Polavaram Project would be completed and dedicated to the nation before the commencement of the Pushkaralu, adding a major attraction for pilgrims and tourists.

The Chief Minister proposed the development of an “Akhanda Godavari Corridor” from Dhavaleswaram to Polavaram and directed officials to ensure that all infrastructure created for the Pushkaralu becomes a long-term asset for the region. He expressed confidence that the event would significantly contribute to the transformation of Rajamahendravaram into a major metropolitan city.

To manage the anticipated influx of devotees, Chandrababu Naidu called for comprehensive road and railway traffic management plans. He instructed officials to improve connectivity through national and state highways and strengthen railway services between Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. Officials have also been asked to approach Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for additional special trains and central financial assistance.

For the convenience of pilgrims, all Pushkar ghats will be systematically numbered. The Chief Minister also suggested exploring Kumbh Mela-style tent cities and homestay facilities to accommodate the large number of visitors expected during the festival.

Highlighting the importance of integrated planning, he directed officials to incorporate the recommendations made by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan following his recent field visit to the Godavari region.

The Chief Minister further instructed officials to construct roads on both sides of the Polavaram Project, undertake extensive beautification of the Godavari riverbanks, and renovate the residence of renowned social reformer Kandukuri Veeresalingam in Rajamahendravaram. Prominent spiritual leaders, heads of religious institutions, political leaders, and film personalities will be invited to participate in the event.

Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to submit a comprehensive action plan by June 24, after which the official countdown to Godavari Pushkaralu-2027 will begin. He also asked APSAC, RTGS, and TTD to jointly develop advanced crowd-management systems and launch a dedicated Akhanda Godavari Pushkaralu-2027 website.

The state government has planned to prepare 525 ghats across six districts, including Polavaram, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada. Along with the existing 288 ghats, proposals have been prepared for the construction of 237 new ghats, expanding the total ghat length from 4.5 km to 9.9 km.

Officials estimate that nearly 9.95 crore pilgrims will take part in the 2027 Pushkaralu. Historical records show that around 1.2 crore devotees attended the 1991 Pushkaralu, 5 crore in 2003, and 4.86 crore in 2015. Authorities expect the single-day footfall during the 2027 event to touch one crore pilgrims.

As part of the preparations, the government has already sanctioned 132 development works worth ₹211.97 crore to strengthen infrastructure and ensure the successful conduct of the mega spiritual event.