Godavari Pushkaralu 2015

IMPORTANCE OF PUSHKARAM

Pushkaram is a festival of worshiping Rivers. 

Across India, this period is of importance, and people flock to the banks of 12 major rivers to take a holy dip, perform ancestor worship, and participate in other devotional programs.

The duration of Pushkaram, varies for different rivers, depending upon when Jupiter (Brishaspathi) visits their star sign.

In Telugu, we call it Pushkaraalu - considered a sacred period to visit and take a dip the holy waters. The rivers across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh assume significance during Pushkaraalu. The banks of the river Godavari will be packed with visitors during this sacred period. Godavari is the second largest river in India, after River Ganga.

This year, 2015, Godavari Pushkaraalu will be celebrated from 14th July, for a period of 12 days (Adi Pushkaraalu). The temple town of Bhadrachalam, and the famous Pushkar Ghat at Rajahmundry, will be the focal point of these celebrations.

The very mention of River Godavari is enough to evoke reverence in every Telugu speaking person. In fact, she is affectionately called 'Godavari Thalli' (Mother Godavari) for the immense fertility she brings to this great land. Even in the peak of summer, or in lack of monsoon, Godavari provides enough water sources to cultivate farms, and sustains fishermen.

As part of its 1,465 kilometer course into the Bay of Bengal, Godavari flows through the culturally-rich town of Rajahmundry, in a vast expanse. It is no wonder that the man-made bridges that span the river, is 4.2 kms long. This fact alone makes the Kovvur-Rajahmundry road-cum-rail bridge, Asia's second largest !

With one of the best rail and road transportation connectivity available in Rajahmundry, this town will witness a massive influx of Godavari Pushkaram devotees, from across the world. The Pushkar Ghat, will bear the maximum presence of the pilgrim rush for the 12-day period of the Adi Pushkaraalu.

Apart from tourist interest, most pilgims travel to offer prayers to their ancestors, through the symbolic Tarpana. It is believed that offering Tarpana during the first 12 days or last 12 days of the Pushkaram year, takes the souls of our ancestors to a higher plane, and in turn, they shower their blessings on us. Notably, many also believe that offering Tarpana gives them vimukthi (freedom) from any (doshaa) negativity or obstacles, in their present life. It is therefore considered a privilege and duty towards forefathers, to offer Tarpana during the Pushkaram period, when the river is at its holiest. Since most people prefer to offer this customary tradition during Adi Pushkaram, the crowd is at its peak during the first 12 days.

Your suggestions and valuable comments are most welcome.

https://youtu.be/qJs_Vj-1M8Q
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ls119