`Godavari Pushkaralu’: Telangana to host `Southern Maha Kumbh' in 2027; to approach Centre for funds

Hyderabad: Call it South India's Maha Kumbh, the Telangana government is planning to host the largest pilgrim gatherings in the state’s history in 2027.

The government will approach the Centre for a special financial package for `Godavari Pushkaralu'.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who chaired a review meeting here, instructed officials to prepare for Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027 with a focus on long-term infrastructure rather than temporary measures.

Pushkaralu from July 23, 2027

The 12-day festival, often called the Southern Kumbh Mela, will begin on July 23, 2027. With less than two years to go, the CM pressed for planning and strict timelines for work.

The river flows for nearly 560 km in Telangana, and the government has identified 74 ghats for development to accommodate devotees.

Priority to key pilgrimage centres

Revanth Reddy directed that priority be given to Basara, Kaleshwaram, Dharmapuri, and Bhadrachalam temples, where the pilgrim footfall is highest. He emphasised the construction of permanent ghats, temple amenities, and improved access roads in these areas.

Other riverbank sites suitable for Pushkar baths will also receive attention in the second phase of development.

Managing lakhs of pilgrims

Highlighting the scale of the event, the Chief Minister said arrangements must be capable of handling over two lakh pilgrims per day. Facilities such as drinking water, parking, traffic regulation, accommodation, and sanitation will be expanded to ensure smooth pilgrim movement.

Officials were asked to prepare individual project reports for each temple and ghat, following field inspections and consultations with temple committees and local authorities.

Expert guidance and central schemes

The government plans to rope in experienced consultants who have managed mega religious events like the Kumbh Mela and earlier Pushkaralu.

Revanth Reddy also advised officials to leverage centrally sponsored schemes such as Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission for project execution.

Inter-Departmental Coordination

The Chief Minister underlined the need for seamless coordination between the Tourism, Irrigation, and Endowments Departments. Reputed agencies and consultants will be engaged to ensure permanent, sustainable arrangements for the festival.

Endowments Minister Konda Surekha, CM’s advisor Vem Narender Reddy, Principal Secretaries Shailaja Ramaiyar, Sheshadri, Srinivasa Raju, and religious advisor Govind Hari were present at the meeting.