Pushkaralu Festival
The Pushkaralu festival, also known as Pushkaram, is an important Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of 12 major sacred rivers in India. It is a massive spiritual celebration that primarily takes place in South India and the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, although it is observed at various rivers across the country.
Frequency and Timing
The festival's timing is determined by the movement of the planet Jupiter (known as Brihaspati or Guru) through the 12 zodiac signs (Rasis).
- Annual Occurrence: The festival is celebrated annually for 12 days at one of the 12 rivers when Jupiter enters the zodiac sign associated with that specific river.
- Once Every 12 Years: The major celebration for any single river occurs only once every 12 years, when Jupiter returns to its specific sign. This cycle makes certain Pushkarams, like the Godavari Pushkaralu, a rare, mega-event.
- Aadi and Anthya Pushkaram: The first 12 days of Jupiter's transit are considered the most auspicious period, known as Adi Pushkaram. The last 12 days before Jupiter moves to the next sign are the Anthya Pushkaram.
Significance and Rituals
The festival holds immense religious importance, with devotees believing that taking a holy dip in the sacred river during this period can cleanse sins, remove obstacles, and grant salvation (moksha).
- Holy Dip: Pilgrims gather in large numbers along the riverbanks to take a ceremonial bath in the holy waters.
- Ancestral Worship: The festival is a significant time for performing rituals and prayers (Pithrukarma or Bali Tharpanam) for ancestors and departed souls.
- Cultural Programs: The event is marked by spiritual discourses, devotional music, cultural programs, and religious activities along the river ghats.
The 12 Sacred Rivers
Each river is associated with a specific zodiac sign. The 12 rivers are:
Ganga, Narmada, Saraswati, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna,Kaveri, Bhima (or Bhimarathi/Tambrapani), Tapti, Tungabhadra,Sindhu,Pranahita
Recent and Upcoming Pushkarams
- Ganga Pushkaram: The festival was held for the Ganga river in Varanasi in April-May 2023, after a gap of 12 years.
- Saraswati Pushkaram: This festival, dedicated to the mythical Saraswati river, occurred in 2025 at Kaleshwaram, Telangana, where the Godavari, Pranahita, and Saraswati are believed to converge.
- Godavari Pushkaralu: The next major occurrence of the Godavari Pushkaralu is scheduled to begin on July 23, 2027.
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