Amaravati, April 12 (IANS) Preparations for Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 kicked off in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, with the endowments minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy laying the foundation stone for various works.

He announced on Sunday that the works to be undertaken in preparation for the Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 have officially commenced.

The minister participated in the groundbreaking and Bhoomi Puja ceremonies for various development works worth Rs 9.55 crore, to be executed under Phase I in Rajamahendravaram.

He was joined by MP Daggubati Purandeswari, MLA Adireddy Srinivas, MLC Somu Veerraju, and others.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister stated that in view of the Godavari Pushkaralu scheduled to begin on June 26, 2027, renovation works for temples in the surrounding areas are being undertaken in advance.

He revealed that funds amounting to Rs 51.79 crore have been sanctioned and tenders have already been invited for the development of 43 temples across the East Godavari, West Godavari, and Konaseema districts.

The minister emphasised that the Pushkarams event is a matter of state prestige, and therefore, the responsibility of conducting it flawlessly rests upon everyone.

Noting that approximately 10 crore devotees from both within the country and abroad are expected to attend, he stated that comprehensive infrastructure facilities would be provided to accommodate them.

He explained that plans are being formulated to facilitate Pushkara holy dips across the 212-kilometre stretch of the Godavari River, spanning the districts of East Godavari, West Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, and Kakinada.

He added that, with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these Pushkarams would be organised successfully. He announced that the Godavari Pushkarams are scheduled to be held from June 26 to July 7.

Ramnarayan Reddy noted that three state-level meetings regarding the conduct of the Pushkaralu have been held so far. He explained that these included a meeting led by the Chief Secretary, a sub-committee meeting involving 12 ministers, and another meeting presided over by the Chief Minister, attended by ministers and secretaries.

He further remarked that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is a leader with vast experience in organising Pushkarams, and consequently, the preparatory arrangements are proceeding at a rapid pace under his leadership.

Ramnarayan Reddy stated that it is a matter of great pleasure to have initiated development works for six endowment institutions in the city of Rajamahendravaram, at a cost of Rs 9.55 crore.

The minister expressed that he considers it a privilege to have laid the foundation stones for the reconstruction of these temples.

He further directed officials to identify the remaining works, prioritise them accordingly, prepare cost estimates, and submit the proposals.

MP Daggubati Purandeswari stated that the Godavari Pushkaralu is a grand festival of immense spiritual significance across the nation.

She noted that both the Central and State governments are working in close coordination to ensure that all necessary amenities are provided to the pilgrims.

She further remarked that the measures being undertaken to organise the Pushkaralu on a grand scale—specifically through the development of temples and the expansion of infrastructure—are highly commendable.

–IANS

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