Devotees take a sacred dip in the Godavari at Pushkar Ghat in Rajamahendravaram. Officials estimate that more than 10 million devotees may turn up for Pushkaram by 2027. Photo credit: File Photo
With Andhra Pradesh and Telangana moving towards coordinated planning for the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, the two Telugu states have initiated high-level consultations to ensure seamless arrangements for the millions of devotees expected to take a 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 the leader for his son’s wedding. Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy discussed joint arrangements with him for the event.
Addressing the Hindus at the Assembly lobby in Amaravati, Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy said that Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu suggested that the two states conduct Pushkarams in close coordination as the auspicious dates in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana fall on the same period. He said such coordination will help facilitate smooth movement, security and better facilities for devotees visiting both sides of the river.
GoM reviews work
Earlier on Thursday, a Group of Ministers (GoM) comprising Mr. Ramanarayan Reddy, Ponguru Narayan, Nimmal Ramanaidu, Kandula Durgesh, BC Janardhan Reddy, Satya Kumar Yadav, Gottipati Ravi Kumar and Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy met at the Secretariat under the chairmanship of reviewing Endowments preparations.
According to the government, the government has decided to organize the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams on the lines of the Maha Kumbh Mela, which will ensure comprehensive inter-ministerial coordination. The festival will be held from June 26 to July 7, 2027 in six districts of Andhra Pradesh.
373 bathing ghats
The GoM has decided to set up 373 bathing ghats covering 4,516 meters along the river stretch, including major facilities at 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 million devotees may participate in the festival, breaking previous records. At peak times, including opening day and new moon day, nearly one million pilgrims are expected, while on the most auspicious day for bathing, about 2.25 million can take a sacred dip.
Renovation of temples
Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy said infrastructure work, renovation of 391 temples, major repairs of 43 temples, improvement and widening of roads, sanitation, drinking water supply, traffic management and improved facilities for women devotees will be prioritized. Tent cities will be built near Rajamahendravaram in Bridgelanka and Pichukalanka to complement the existing 4,800 rooms in the region.
An amount of ₹ 60 crore has been earmarked in the budget for precautionary measures. Joint collectors of six districts will act as nodal officers and in-charge ministers will conduct regular inspections. Officials have been directed to prepare comprehensive reports ahead of the review meeting with the Chief Minister.
Published – 27 Feb 2026 21:22 IST
