The sacred Saraswati Pushkaralu began today at the Triveni Sangam in Kaleshwaram, where the rivers Godavari, Pranahita, and the invisible Saraswati meet. The event was formally launched at 5:44 AM with special prayers by Sri Guru Madanananda Saraswati. Though the Pushkar period astrologically began late Wednesday night, devotees began the ritual baths from Thursday morning. The 12-day festival will run until May 26, featuring daily rituals such as the Saraswati Navaratna Mala Harathi and various cultural programs.
The Telangana government has allocated ₹35 crore for extensive arrangements, including sanitation, drinking water, roads, and tent accommodations. Over 1.5 lakh devotees are expected to visit daily. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and his wife will participate in the evening rituals today, marking the first time a sitting Telangana CM has attended the Kaleshwaram Pushkaralu. The CM will also unveil a 10-foot Saraswati idol and inaugurate a newly constructed 86-room guest facility for pilgrims.
