Kaleshwaram Readies for Saraswati Antya Pushkaralu
Permanent structures were ready at Jnana Saraswati and VIP ghats, while a 40‑tent VIP camp with modern facilities has been set up for seers and dignitaries.
Hyderabad: The Triveni Sangama at Kaleshwaram, where the Godavari, Pranhita and the subterranean Saraswati converge, is being transformed ahead of the 12‑day Antya (final) Pushkaralu of the Saraswati river, scheduled from May 21 to June 1. The state has mounted large‑scale arrangements and expects about 30 lakh devotees during the ritual period.
Authorities have given the ghats a festival makeover aimed at evoking the atmosphere of Prayagraj’s sangam during the Kumbh. Decorative lighting, sound systems, and thematic décor at several key locations on the river ghats are progressing at a brisk pace. Colourful cutouts representing different mythological themes will be a special attraction this time.
Permanent structures were ready at Jnana Saraswati and VIP ghats, while a 40‑tent VIP camp with modern facilities has been set up for seers and dignitaries.
Public amenities and safety measures include cloth‑changing rooms, sprinkler bathing facilities at ghats, shaded waiting and bathing areas, enhanced sanitation, and detailed traffic‑ and crowd‑management plans. Some permanent installations are being completed now as part of preparations for next year’s Godavari Pushkaralu, when authorities expect far larger, multi‑location crowds.
Temple priest Karteeka Sharma said that according to traditional scriptures and astronomical calculations, taking part in the 12‑day Antya Pushkaralu would confer spiritual benefits of a year. “During these 12 days it is believed the deities bathe in the river,” he said. “People of all 12 zodiac signs who take the ritual bath are said to be freed from various doshas. The final 12 days are as powerful as the initial days of Pushkaralu.”
Endowments minister Konda Surekha and IT and Industries minister D. Sridhar Babu have been periodically reviewing preparations. Officials said the possible presence of the Chief Minister has prompted additional protocol and security measures. They added that the Saraswati Antya Pushkaralu will serve as a trial run to fine‑tune logistics, crowd safety and pilgrim services ahead of the larger Godavari Pushkaralu next year.
Schedule of Homams during Antya Pushkaralu:
May 21: Maha Ganapati Homam
May 22: Subrahmanya Shadakshari Homam
May 23: Hayagriva Homam
May 24: Navagraha Homam
May 25: Maha Mrityunjaya Homam
May 26: Durga Sukta Homam
May 27: Maha Sudarshana Homam
May 28: Meda Dakshinamurthy Homam
May 29: Swayamvara Parvati Homam
May 30: Dhanvantari Homam
May 31: Maha Rudra Homam
June 1: Laghu Chandi Maha Poornahuti
