RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: Preparations for the Godavari Pushkarams 2027 have formally begun in East Godavari district with the launch of Phase I development works worth Rs 9.55 crore.
Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy laid the foundation stone for the development works in Rajamahendravaram on Sunday, joined by MP Daggubati Purandeswari, MLA Adireddy Srinivas and MLC Somu Veerraju.
The foundation laying ceremony was held under the aegis of the Endowments Department, with Vedic scholars and students welcoming the dignitaries in traditional manner.
Ramanarayana Reddy said temple renovation and infrastructure upgrade are being taken up as part of arrangements for the Pushkarams.
Three State-level review meetings on Pushkaram arrangements have already been held, including one chaired by the Chief Secretary, another by a Cabinet Sub-committee, and the third under the chairmanship of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
10 cr devotees may take part in Pushkarams
He emphasised that the Chief Minister’s experience in organising major religious events will ensure that Pushkaram arrangements progress swiftly.
In Rajamahendravaram, six temple institutions will benefit from Phase I works with allocations made for new constructions and renovation.
He described the launch of the development works as a significant step towards improving facilities for devotees and ensuring that pilgrims have access to better amenities during the Pushkarams.
He also directed officials to prioritise remaining works and prepare estimates for submission.
A sum of Rs 51.79 crore has been sanctioned for the development of 43 temples in the erstwhile undivided twin Godavari districts. Tenders for the works have already been invited.
Highlighting the scale of the upcoming Pushkarams, he said nearly 10 crore devotees from across India and abroad are expected to participate in the river fete.
Plans are being evolved to provide comprehensive infrastructure along the 212 km stretch of the Godavari river, covering the erstwhile twin Godavari districts.
With the cooperation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State government is determined to conduct the Pushkarams successfully.
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh lauded the Endowments Department for initiating temple development works and stressed the importance of coordination between tourism and endowments departments to promote temple tourism.
Rajamahendravaram City MLA Srinivas expressed satisfaction over the release of adequate funds for temple development.
MP Purandeswari described the Godavari Pushkarams as a spiritually significant festival of national importance and praised the joint efforts of the Central and State governments in expanding infrastructure.
MLC Somu Veerraju lauded the allocation of funds and urged the government to secure additional support from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for the conduct of Pushkarams on a grand scale.
Senior officials from the Endowments Department and district administration also took part in the programme.